Abstract
Unsupported sleepers which are found at railway ballasted tracks, cause various problems for track geometry management. However, because of the difficulty of grasping the situation, enough research has not yet been carried out. In this study, we examined a method for detecting unsupported sleepers easily and accurately based on general track data. Using the 2D FEM model proposed and track irregularity data of commercial lines, we calculated the amount of gap between the undersurface of the sleeper and the upper surface of the ballast, and compared those calculated values and the measured values on site. As a result, it is confirmed that they are in good agreement and this mothod is valid as far as the continuous welded rail section is concerned. Also, we showed the possibility of improving the accuracy of detection by reflecting the shape of the rail joint and broadening the bandwidth of the wavelength for restored track irregularity.
