SEISMIC PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF RAILWAY BALLASTED TRACK STRUCTURES WITH SHAKING TABLE TESTS

Abstract

This study presents an experimental study to elucidate the dynamic response of railway track structures subjected to horizontal seismic loads. A series of shaking table tests for one-third scale models of ballast track and grouted ballast track was performed. Based on test results, the seismic stability and ductility beyond failure of railroad ballast were quantitatively evaluated associated with the observed movement of ballast particles inside railroad ballast. As the results, an evaluation method of seismic performance of railway track was proposed correspondent to magnitude of earthquake motions, and it was revealed that the difference in track structure had a serious influence on the seismic performance of railway track.