Dynamic Analysis on Stiffness Enhancement Measures of Slab End for Discontinuous Floating Slab Track

The slabs of a floating slab track (FST) are usually discontinuously constructed, resulting in a gap between the consecutive slabs. Therefore, wheel/rail impact may occur when a train runs over the gap, resulting in an adverse effect on the train and track system. In this regards, the stiffness enhancement measure (SEM) is usually used at slab ends to enable a smooth stiffness change. The SEM normally includes installing end connections between consecutive slabs and increasing the supporting stiffness of slab ends. For estimating the influence of SEMs on dynamic behaviors of train and FST systems, a detailed and efficient coupled dynamic model of the train–FST system with the SEMs is first developed. Furthermore, the influences of the two SEMs on the system dynamic performance are revealed by using the proposed model. Finally, the optimal parameter combination of the two SEMs is determined, which provide a valuable guiding reference for the design of the FST.