Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Influence of the Testing Procedure on the Value of the Impact Attenuation of Rail Fastening Systems: an Experimental Study

  • Applications paper
  • Published:
Experimental Techniques Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Railway superstructure components are subject to impact forces caused by irregularities in the rail and wheel or variations in the support stiffness. These imperfections lead to the premature and accelerated deterioration of the track and increase maintenance costs. Generally, to mitigate these dynamic loads, elastomeric rail pads are interposed between rails and sleepers. For each track section, the pad choice is made according to its stiffness, impact attenuation and cost. In this experimental study, eight types of rail pads were characterized using two procedures from EN 13146–3. The results revealed that the rail pad material and geometry affect the impact attenuation ability of the pad and the testing procedure affect the results. It was found that the preload applied is one of the parameters that most affects the impact attenuation value. Appling a preload of 50 kN during the impact attenuation test, which is suggested by the standard, affected this parameter by ranging from between ~2 and ~ 20, depending on the rail pad. Based on these results it is considered that EN 13146–3 should be updated.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

ke :

Static stiffness obtained under standard conditions (load range: 18–68 kN)

ke’ :

Static stiffness under non-standard conditions (load range: 1–68 kN

ke” :

Static stiffness under non-standard conditions (load range: 18–35 kN)

ke”’ :

Static stiffness under non-standard conditions (load range: 68–85 kN)

kdyn,5Hz :

Dynamic stiffness for the standard load range (18–68 kN) at 5 Hz

kdyn,10Hz :

Dynamic stiffness for the standard load range (18–68 kN) at 10 Hz

kdyn,20Hz :

Dynamic stiffness for the standard load range (18–68 kN) at 20 Hz

εUpp,ref,dyn / εLow,ref,dyn :

Maximum strain in the upper/lower gauge with the reference rail pad (‘ref’)

εUpp,ref,st / εLow,ref,st :

Static strain in the upper/lower gauge with the reference rail pad (‘ref’)

εUpp,x,dyn / εLow,x,dyn :

Maximum strain in the upper/lower gauge with the tested rail pad (‘x’)

εUpp,x,st / εLow,x,st :

Static strain in the upper/lower gauge with the tested rail pad (‘x’)

a:

Rail pad impact attenuation

aLow :

Rail pad impact attenuation undergone by the lower gauge

aUpp :

Rail pad impact attenuation undergone by the upper gauge

References

  1. Nguyen K, Goicolea JM, Galbadon F (2011) Dynamic effect of high speed railway traffic loads on the ballast track settlement. Congr Métodos Numéricos em Eng

  2. Bosso N, Gugliotta A, Zampieri N (2012) A comprehensive strategy to estimate track condition and its evolution. Int J Railw Technol 1:1–19. https://doi.org/10.4203/ijrt.1.2.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Indraratna B, Nimbalkar S, Rujikiatkamjorn C (2013) Modernisation of rail tracks for higher speeds and greater freight. Int J Railw Technol 2:1–20. https://doi.org/10.4203/ijrt.2.3.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Fortunato E, Paixão A, Calçada R (2013) Railway track transition zones: design, construction, monitoring and numerical Modelling. Int J Railw Technol 2:33–58. https://doi.org/10.4203/ijrt.2.4.3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Mezher SB, Connolly DP, Woodward PK et al (2016) Railway critical velocity – analytical prediction and analysis. Transp Geotech 6:84–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2015.09.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Momoya Y, Nakamura T, Fuchigami S, Takahashi T (2016) Improvement of degraded ballasted track to reduce maintenance work. Int J Railw Technol 5:31–54. https://doi.org/10.4203/ijrt.5.3.2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Woodward PK, Laghrouche O, Mezher SB, Connolly DP (2015) Application of coupled train-track Modelling of critical speeds for high-speed trains using three-dimensional non-linear finite elements. Int J Railw Technol 4:1–35. https://doi.org/10.4203/ijrt.4.3.1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Sainz-Aja JA, Pombo J, Tholken D, et al Dynamic calibration of slab track models for railway applications using full- scale testing. Comput Struct Inpress:

  9. Ngo TN, Indraratna B, Rujikiatkamjorn C (2019) Improved performance of ballasted tracks under impact loading by recycled rubber mats. Transp Geotech 20:100239. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRGEO.2019.04.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Bruni S, Anastasopoulos I, Alfi S et al (2009) Effects of train impacts on urban turnouts: Modelling and validation through measurements. J Sound Vib 324:666–689. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JSV.2009.02.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Remennikov A, Kaewunruen S (2008) A review of loading conditions for railway track structures due to train and track vertical interaction. Struct Control Heal Monit 15:207–234

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Nielsen JCO, Igeland A (1995) Vertical dynamic interaction between train and track influence of wheel and track imperfections. J Sound Vib 187:825–889

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Ngamkhanong C, Kaewunruen S (2020) Effects of under sleeper pads on dynamic responses of railway prestressed concrete sleepers subjected to high intensity impact loads. Eng Struct 214:110604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2020.110604

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Vossloh Vossloh Fastening system

  15. PANDROL Pandrol Fastening System. https://www.pandrol.com/products/?prod_main_category=fastening-systems

  16. Sainz-Aja J, Carrascal I, Polanco JA et al (2019) Self-compacting recycled aggregate concrete using out-of-service railway superstructure wastes. J Clean Prod:230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.386

  17. Sainz-Aja J, Carrascal I, Polanco JA, Thomas C (2019) Fatigue failure micromechanisms in ed aggregate mortar by μCT analysis. J Build Eng:101027. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JOBE.2019.101027

  18. Sainz-Aja J, Thomas C, Polanco JA, Carrascal I (2019) High-frequency fatigue testing of recycled aggregate concrete. Appl Sci 10:10. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10010010

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Manescu TS, Petre CC, Zaharia NL et al (2009) Dynamic tests for fastening rubber plates to determine attenuation of impact loads. Mater Plast 46:448–451

    Google Scholar 

  20. Remennikov A, Kaewunruen S (2005) Determination of dynamic properties of rail pads using an instrumented hammer impact technique. Acoust Aust 33:63–67

    Google Scholar 

  21. Gómez J, Casado JA, Carrascal IA et al (2019) Experimental validation of a new antivibration elastomeric material fabricated from end-of-life tires for slab track systems with embedded rail. J Test Eval:49. https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20180804

  22. Ferreño D, Sainz-Aja JA, Carrascal IA, et al Prediction of mechanical properties of rail pads under in-service conditions through machine learning algorithms. Adv Eng Softw

  23. Kaewunruen S, Ngamkhanong C, Papaelias M, Roberts C (2018) Wet/dry influence on behaviors of closed-cell polymeric cross-linked foams under static, dynamic and impact loads. Constr Build Mater 187:1092–1102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.08.052

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Sainz-Aja JA, Carrascal IA, Ferreño D, et al (2020) Influence of the operational conditions on static and dynamic stiffness of rail pads. Mech Mater 148:

  25. Ngamkhanong C, Ming QY, Li T, Kaewunruen S (2020) Dynamic train-track interactions over railway track stiffness transition zones using baseplate fastening systems. Eng Fail Anal 118:104866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2020.104866

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Johansson A, Nielsen JCO (2003) Out-of-round railway wheels—wheel-rail contact forces and track response derived from field tests and numerical simulations. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part F J Rail Rapid Transit 217:135–145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Carrascal I, Casado JA, Diego S, Polanco JA (2011) Atenuacion frente a impacto en sistemas de sujecion ferroviaria de alta velocidad. J An Mecan Fract 28:713–718

    Google Scholar 

  28. Sol-Sánchez M, Moreno-Navarro F, Rubio-Gámez MC (2015) The use of elastic elements in railway tracks: a state of the art review. Constr Build Mater 75:293–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.11.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Ferreño D, Casado J, Carrascal IA et al (2019) Experimental and finite element fatigue assessment of the spring clip of the SKL-1 railway fastening system. Eng Struct 188:553–563. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2019.03.053

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Kaewunruen S, Remennikov AM (2006) Sensitivity analysis of free vibration characteristics of an in situ railway concrete sleeper to variations of rail pad parameters. J Sound Vib 298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsv.2006.05.034

  31. Kaewunruen S (2012) Effectiveness of using elastomeric pads to mitigate impact vibration at an urban turnout crossing. Noise Vib Mitig Rail Transp Syst 118:357–365

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Fenander Å (1997) Frequency dependent stiffness and damping of railpads. Proc Inst Mech Eng Part F J Rail Rapid Transit 211:51–62. https://doi.org/10.1243/0954409971530897

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Cukrowicz KC, Jahn DR, Graham RD et al (2013) Suicide risk in older adults: evaluating models of risk and predicting excess zeros in a primary care sample. J Abnorm Psychol 122:1021–1030. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0034953

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Zhu S, Cai C, Luo Z, Liao Z (2015) A frequency and amplitude dependent model of rail pads for the dynamic analysis of train-track interaction. Sci China Technol Sci 58:191–201. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-014-5686-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Wei K, Zhang P, Wang P et al (2016) The influence of amplitude- and frequency-dependent stiffness of rail pads on the random vibration of a vehicle-track coupled system. Shock Vib 2016:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7674124

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Wei K, Wang F, Wang P et al (2017) Effect of temperature- and frequency-dependent dynamic properties of rail pads on high-speed vehicle–track coupled vibrations. Veh Syst Dyn 55:351–370. https://doi.org/10.1080/00423114.2016.1267371

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. CEN [1] EN 13146–3:2012 “Railway applications - Track - Test methods for fastening systems - Part 3: Determination of attenuation of impact loads”

  38. ADIF (2005) ET 03.360.570.0 Placas elásticas de asiento para sujeción VM

  39. CEN (2017) EN 13481–2:2012+A1:2017. Railway applications - Track - Performance requirements for fastening systems - Part 2: Fastening systems for concrete sleepers

  40. (2012) EN 13146–9:2011+A1. Aplicaciones ferroviarias. Vía. Métodos de ensayo de los sistemas de fijación. Parte 9: Dterminación de la rigidez

  41. Kaewunruen S, Remennikov AM (2007) Response and prediction of dynamic characteristics of worn rail pads under static preloads. In: Proceedings of 14th international congress on sound and vibration. Australian Acoustics Society, Cairns, Australia, pp. 1–8

  42. Kaewunruen S, Remennikov AM (2007) Laboratory measurements of dynamic properties of rail pads under incremental preload. In: 19th Australasian conference on the mechanics of structures and materials. Taylor & Francis, Christchurch, pp 319–324

    Google Scholar 

  43. PANDROL (2020) Fastclip FC. https://perma.cc/5U4U-JSYS

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the company PANDROL UK LIMITED (Worksop, UK) for supplying the necessary material for the laboratory tests. Also, authors would like to thank to the LADICIM, Laboratory of Materials Science and Engineering of the University of Cantabria for making available to the authors the facilities used in this research. The authors would like to thank the “Augusto Gonzalez Linares” postdoctoral grant program of the University of Cantabria for their support.

Availability of Data and Material

Data available on request due to privacy restrictions.

Code Availability

Not applicable.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. LADICIM (Laboratory of Materials Science and Engineering), University of Cantabria. E.T.S. de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Av./Los Castros 44, 39005, Santander, Spain

    I.A. Carrascal, J.A. Casado, S. Diego, J.A. Sainz-Aja, D. Ferreño & A. Barrientos

Authors
  1. I.A. Carrascal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J.A. Casado
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. Diego
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. J.A. Sainz-Aja
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. D. Ferreño
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. A. Barrientos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. D. García
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to J.A. Sainz-Aja.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Highlights

• Impact attenuation results depend significantly on testing conditions

• The rail pad impact attenuation strongly depends on the toe load

• A mismatch was observed between the two methods proposed by the EN-13146-3 standard

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Carrascal, I., Casado, J., Diego, S. et al. Influence of the Testing Procedure on the Value of the Impact Attenuation of Rail Fastening Systems: an Experimental Study. Exp Tech 46, 167–178 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40799-021-00468-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40799-021-00468-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation