Discrete Element Simulation Study of Contact Pressure Distribution Between Sleeper and Ballasts

With the rapid development of economics in China, High-speed railway plays an increasingly important role in public transport. The accompanying more rigorous design criteria requires further understanding into the behavior of track bed. Compared with experimental studies, it is more economical and more efficient to develop a model to conduct the research. In this paper, a discrete element simulation has been performed for assessment of the contact pressure distribution between railway sleeper and railway ballasts under static loads. The ballasts in the simulation are modeled by discrete spheres with rolling friction and static friction. In order to represent the deformable property, the sleeper is modeled using a layer of spheres which are connected by bonds based on the Timoshenko beam theory. Results from the model show that the contact pressure distribution between the sleeper and ballast layer follows a double-peak pattern. This pressure distribution is compatible with the results of an experimental research in railway sleeper. Although the model still needs to be elaborated and calibrated further, this work adds to the understanding of the behavior of sleepers used in service.