Temperature Deformation Analysis of CRTS II Ballastless Slab Track

Two finite element models of CRTS II ballastless track superstructure were developed to simulate temperature deformations of the precast concrete track slab. One of the models considered the fully bonding interface between the track slab and the cement asphalt mortar layers, while the other uses cohesive zone elements to simulate possible interfacial separation and slip. Warp deformations of the track slab under various temperature loads were calculated using both models. Numerical results show that the track slab glued fully to the mortar layers can approximately hold regular geometry shape even if it bears extreme temperature gradient loads. Although deteriorated mortar layers could increase significantly temperature deformations of the track slab, warp deformations of the track slab are still quite small and the rail harmonic irregularities due to the temperature deformations are tiny. It can be concluded that temperature deformations of CRTS II track slab have little effect on running safety and ride comfort of high-speed trains.