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2025 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

Numerical Analysis for Ballasted Rail Tracks: Coupled DEM-FEM Approach

Authors : Trung Ngo, Buddhima Indraratna

Published in: Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics (ICTG) 2024, Volume 6

Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore

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Abstract

Ballasted tracks are essential for transporting goods and passengers between major urban areas and ports, but they suffer breakage, fouling and excessive deformation from repeated train loads. This study investigates the effect of loading and frequency on ballast deformation and degradation through lab tests and numerical modelling. A coupling model based on the finite element method and discrete element method is introduced to predict load-deformation behaviour. DEM represents ballast grains, while FEM models the subgrade, accounting for their interactions. The model is applied to analyze a Singleton, Australia track, with numerical results compared to field data for validation.

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previous chapter Dem Study on the Dynamic Performance of a Fouled Ballasted Track Under Repeated Traffic Loading
next chapter Barrier Systems to Protect Critical Transportation Infrastructure from Impact-Induced Ground Vibrations
Literature
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Indraratna B, Ngo T, Rujikiatkamjorn C (2011) Behavior of geogrid-reinforced ballast under various levels of fouling. Geotext Geomembr 29(3):313–322CrossRef
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Metadata
Title
Numerical Analysis for Ballasted Rail Tracks: Coupled DEM-FEM Approach
Authors
Trung Ngo
Buddhima Indraratna
Copyright Year
2025
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Book
Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Transportation Geotechnics (ICTG) 2024, Volume 6

Print ISBN: 978-981-9782-32-1

Electronic ISBN: 978-981-9782-33-8

Copyright Year: 2025

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8233-8_4