Mathematical Modeling of the Rail Track Superstructure–Subgrade System

The “rail track superstructure–subgrade” system is a sophisticated engineering structure critical in ensuring safe and efficient train operations. Its analysis and design rely on mathematical modeling to capture the interactions between system components and the effects of both static and dynamic lo...

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Main Authors: Dmytro Kurhan, Szabolcs Fischer, Vladyslav Khmelevskyi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Geotechnics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7094/5/1/20
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author Dmytro Kurhan
Szabolcs Fischer
Vladyslav Khmelevskyi
author_facet Dmytro Kurhan
Szabolcs Fischer
Vladyslav Khmelevskyi
author_sort Dmytro Kurhan
collection DOAJ
description The “rail track superstructure–subgrade” system is a sophisticated engineering structure critical in ensuring safe and efficient train operations. Its analysis and design rely on mathematical modeling to capture the interactions between system components and the effects of both static and dynamic loads. This paper offers a detailed review of contemporary modeling approaches, including discrete, continuous, and hybrid models. The research’s key contribution is a thorough comparison of five primary methodologies: (i) quasi-static analytical calculations, (ii) multibody dynamics (MBD) models, (iii and iv) static and dynamic finite element method (FEM) models, and (v) wave propagation-based models. Future research directions could focus on developing hybrid models that integrate MBD and FEM to enhance moving load predictions, leveraging machine learning for parameter calibration using experimental data, investigating the nonlinear and rheological behavior of ballast and subgrade in long-term deformation, and applying wave propagation techniques to model vibration transmission and evaluate its impact on infrastructure.
format Article
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institution Kabale University
issn 2673-7094
language English
publishDate 2025-03-01
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record_format Article
series Geotechnics
spelling doaj-art-8291fd3bb8d84aefbb1963788d0cc6092025-08-20T03:43:36ZengMDPI AGGeotechnics2673-70942025-03-01512010.3390/geotechnics5010020Mathematical Modeling of the Rail Track Superstructure–Subgrade SystemDmytro Kurhan0Szabolcs Fischer1Vladyslav Khmelevskyi2Department of Transport Infrastructure, Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, UA-49010 Dnipro, UkraineCentral Campus Győr, Széchenyi István University, H-9026 Győr, HungaryDepartment of Transport Infrastructure, Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, UA-49010 Dnipro, UkraineThe “rail track superstructure–subgrade” system is a sophisticated engineering structure critical in ensuring safe and efficient train operations. Its analysis and design rely on mathematical modeling to capture the interactions between system components and the effects of both static and dynamic loads. This paper offers a detailed review of contemporary modeling approaches, including discrete, continuous, and hybrid models. The research’s key contribution is a thorough comparison of five primary methodologies: (i) quasi-static analytical calculations, (ii) multibody dynamics (MBD) models, (iii and iv) static and dynamic finite element method (FEM) models, and (v) wave propagation-based models. Future research directions could focus on developing hybrid models that integrate MBD and FEM to enhance moving load predictions, leveraging machine learning for parameter calibration using experimental data, investigating the nonlinear and rheological behavior of ballast and subgrade in long-term deformation, and applying wave propagation techniques to model vibration transmission and evaluate its impact on infrastructure.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7094/5/1/20railwayrailway track superstructuresubgrademathematical modeling
spellingShingle Dmytro Kurhan
Szabolcs Fischer
Vladyslav Khmelevskyi
Mathematical Modeling of the Rail Track Superstructure–Subgrade System
Geotechnics
railway
railway track superstructure
subgrade
mathematical modeling
title Mathematical Modeling of the Rail Track Superstructure–Subgrade System
title_full Mathematical Modeling of the Rail Track Superstructure–Subgrade System
title_fullStr Mathematical Modeling of the Rail Track Superstructure–Subgrade System
title_full_unstemmed Mathematical Modeling of the Rail Track Superstructure–Subgrade System
title_short Mathematical Modeling of the Rail Track Superstructure–Subgrade System
title_sort mathematical modeling of the rail track superstructure subgrade system
topic railway
railway track superstructure
subgrade
mathematical modeling
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7094/5/1/20
work_keys_str_mv AT dmytrokurhan mathematicalmodelingoftherailtracksuperstructuresubgradesystem
AT szabolcsfischer mathematicalmodelingoftherailtracksuperstructuresubgradesystem
AT vladyslavkhmelevskyi mathematicalmodelingoftherailtracksuperstructuresubgradesystem