The behaviour of low profile steel track system, LR55, under static non-destructive tests using full scale model

摘要

Non destructive tests were carried out on a full scale 6 m long light weight low profile rail trruck model, including the case of 1 m collapsed foundation simulation by applying dynamic and static loads up to a pre-assigned maximum value. SThe track specimen consisted of a pre-tensioned prestressed concerete trough and a cast steel LR55 rail section bounded together by an elastomeric pad. The track model was mounted on a compacted sand founation of which the latter was contained in a timber box. The whole arrangement of the sand box was set to have equivalent characteristics of an actual supporting track base that were specified through a series of plate-load tests. The instrumentation comprised of 58 electronic resistance strain gauges and 14 displacement measuring devices. The results gained experimentally compared very well with the theoretical solution using one dmensional finite element analysis. The theoretical optimum design of the presentressed concerete trough section, satisfying the serviceability and ultimate limit state requirements also was demonstrated through these tests. Consequently, the materhmatical model developed for the LR55 track systems as multilayer beams on elastic foundations was validated. SThe experimental lwork enhanced the theoretical investigation, leading to an increased understanding of the system potential performance in service.