Parameter Identification and Analysis of a Slab Track System Using 3D ABAQUS Program
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 5
Abstract
The main objective of this study is to conduct in-depth investigations on the parameter identification and convergence study of slab track analysis. The idealized theoretical solutions are first investigated. Together with the principles of dimensional analysis as well as its similarity to a rigid pavement system, several dominating mechanistic variables are identified and numerically verified. A systematic approach was utilized and implemented in a VISUAL BASIC software package to study the effects of mesh fineness and element selections using the ABAQUS three-dimensional (3D) finite-element model (FEM) program. The convergence characteristics of various 3D shell and 3D solid elements are investigated. Several guidelines in mesh fineness and element selections are recommended. This study strives to bridge the gap between the closed-form solutions and the numerical results obtained from 3D FEM analyses so as to expand its applicability to various practical track conditions more realistically.
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Acknowledgments
This study was sponsored by National Science Council of Taiwan, under the project titled “Development and Application of Automatic Stress Program for Slab Track,” Phase I (UNSPECIFIEDNSC 91-2211-E-032-021) and Phase II (UNSPECIFIEDNSC92-2211-E032-013).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 133 • Issue 5 • May 2007
Pages: 288 - 297
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 24, 2006
Accepted: Oct 17, 2006
Published online: May 1, 2007
Published in print: May 2007
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