Abstract
The 3-D simulation of cyclic vertical loading tests of a full-scale railway ballasted track is attempted using the finite element method (FEM). The ballast layer is modeled as the continuum body of which the elastoplastic behavior is described by the subloading surface model with rotational hardening. The variation tendency in the relation between the vertical displacement of the bottom of the sleeper and the vertical load can be simulated using the present FE model. The simulated permanent displacement is comparable to those of test results. The large plastic strain extends from the edge of the sleeper to the bottom of the ballast layer; the frictional sliding zone can be found in the ballast layer.
