Analysis of the Floating Rail System for the Port Authority of Allegheny County

Abstract

A unique structural problem and solution is presented on the analysis and design of a continuous structural concrete slab track on grade. Rails embedded into the structural concrete with an elastomeric grout system act as part of the overall load resisting system. To successfully and effectively design the concrete slab track the interaction between the rail, elastomeric grout, concrete, reinforcement and the soil subgrade must be accurately be predicted. The classical theory of beams on an elastic foundation is used to predict the response of the floating rail system.