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Y. Wang, Y. Xiao, "Hybrid DEM-FDM Modeling of Heavy-Haul Railway Transition Zone Slope Effects on Ballast Particle Movement and Dynamic Track Responses", in J. Pombo, (Editor), "Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Railway Technology: Research, Development and Maintenance ", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK, Online volume: CCC 15, Paper 16.5, 2026, doi:10.4203/ccc.15.16.5

Keywords: heavy-haul railway, ballasted track, bridge transition zone, slope effects, particle movement, dynamic responses, hybrid DEM-FDM modelling.

Abstract

A two-dimensional coupled discrete element-finite difference model was developed to evaluate how transition-slope design affects the dynamic behaviour of heavy-haul ballasted bridge approaches. The ballast bed was represented with discrete particles, whereas sleepers and the underlying subgrade were modelled as continua. Field measurements from the Daqin heavy-haul railway were used to validate the coupled framework. Four inverted-trapezoid transition slopes, from 1:1 to 1:4, were then analysed. The results show that reducing the transition slope improves displacement continuity and weakens abrupt changes in sleeper, ballast, and subgrade responses at the abutment-transition and transition-subgrade interfaces. Lower slopes also reduce ballast rotation, mitigate local stress concentration, and enlarge the load-sharing region within the subgrade, whereas the influence on vertical acceleration is comparatively limited. The study clarifies both macroscopic response regularities and microscopic ballast movement in heavy-haul transition zones and provides quantitative guidance for transition design and maintenance prioritisation.

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Front Page Browse CCC CCP CSETS CTR IJRT Other Authors Search Purchase Guide FAQ Contact us	Civil-Comp Conferences ISSN 2753-3239 CCC: 15 PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEVENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RAILWAY TECHNOLOGY: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE Edited by: J. Pombo Paper 16.5 Hybrid DEM-FDM Modeling of Heavy-Haul Railway Transition Zone Slope Effects on Ballast Particle Movement and Dynamic Track Responses Y. Wang and Y. Xiao School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China doi:10.4203/ccc.15.16.5 Full Bibliographic Reference for this paper Y. Wang, Y. Xiao, "Hybrid DEM-FDM Modeling of Heavy-Haul Railway Transition Zone Slope Effects on Ballast Particle Movement and Dynamic Track Responses", in J. Pombo, (Editor), "Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Railway Technology: Research, Development and Maintenance ", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK, Online volume: CCC 15, Paper 16.5, 2026, doi:10.4203/ccc.15.16.5 Keywords: heavy-haul railway, ballasted track, bridge transition zone, slope effects, particle movement, dynamic responses, hybrid DEM-FDM modelling. Abstract A two-dimensional coupled discrete element-finite difference model was developed to evaluate how transition-slope design affects the dynamic behaviour of heavy-haul ballasted bridge approaches. The ballast bed was represented with discrete particles, whereas sleepers and the underlying subgrade were modelled as continua. Field measurements from the Daqin heavy-haul railway were used to validate the coupled framework. Four inverted-trapezoid transition slopes, from 1:1 to 1:4, were then analysed. The results show that reducing the transition slope improves displacement continuity and weakens abrupt changes in sleeper, ballast, and subgrade responses at the abutment-transition and transition-subgrade interfaces. Lower slopes also reduce ballast rotation, mitigate local stress concentration, and enlarge the load-sharing region within the subgrade, whereas the influence on vertical acceleration is comparatively limited. The study clarifies both macroscopic response regularities and microscopic ballast movement in heavy-haul transition zones and provides quantitative guidance for transition design and maintenance prioritisation. download the full-text of this paper (PDF, 2156 Kb) go to the previous paper go to the next paper return to the table of contents return to the volume description
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