Influence of track line environment on the temperature field of a double-block ballastless track slab

Abstract

The heat flux density of solar radiation, received by each surface of a double-block ballastless track bed slab, is closely related to its alignment and geographical latitude. In this work, a temperature field analysis model based on experimental data, the theories of solar radiation, and boundary heat transfer is established by a CRTS-I double-block ballastless track structure using the ABAQUS finite element software to investigate the influence of different alignments and geographical latitudes of the temperature field. The horizontal and vertical temperature gradients of the ballast bed plate were found to be in the most adverse conditions when the angle αn between the normal direction of the ballastless track slab bedside surface and positive south direction was equal to 90°. The standard deviation of the overall temperature gradient of the ballast bed was found to be at lowest and standard value of the dispersion degree was highest at an αn of 90°: 14.138 and 10.446°C/m, respectively. The horizontal and vertical temperature gradients in high latitudes and coastal areas were found to be more detrimental than that in the low latitudes or inland areas. These results can provide references for how to avoid high-temperature loading during railway line selection and track design.