Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the interference of adjacent moving trains resting on a ballasted railway track system

High-speed trains became common nowadays due to the need for fast and safe mean to transport goods and people. However, the use of high-speed trains necessitates the examination of the critical speed, which is the train speed at which the maximum settlement of the railway track occurs. The critical speed and railway track settlement have been investigated considering only one train in previous studies. However, it is normal to have two adjacent trains moving at the same time. This paper aims to understand how the interference of two moving trains affects the settlement and critical speed of ballasted railway track. Calibrated three-dimensional finite element models of railway track subjected to one moving train and two moving trains have been developed to address the aim of the study. It is found that the interference dramatically increases the railway track settlement with a percentage increase ranges between 5 and 100%. It is also found that the percentage increase of the railway track settlement depends on the train speed and the distance between the moving trains. In addition, it is found that the thickness of the ballast layer and the stiffness of the subgrade have minor influence on the percentage increase of the settlement. Importantly, the results of this paper illustrate the importance of the interference of the moving trains on the dynamic response of the railway track. Thus, there is a need to consider the dynamic interaction between the adjacent moving trains in the design of railway track foundation.