A novel digital design method for railway subgrade sections

Purpose – Conventional high-speed railways (HSR) subgrade design methods remain constrained by platform-dependent drafting systems, leading to data interaction hindrances and redundant design processes. This study strives to develop a digital earthwork design methodology that enhances design while r...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Qingbo Bai, Xu Li, Zhenze Ma, Xiaokang Li, Long Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Emerald Publishing 2025-06-01
Series:Railway Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/RS-11-2024-0046/full/pdf
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Summary:Purpose – Conventional high-speed railways (HSR) subgrade design methods remain constrained by platform-dependent drafting systems, leading to data interaction hindrances and redundant design processes. This study strives to develop a digital earthwork design methodology that enhances design while reducing collaborative expenses. Design/methodology/approach – A novel digital subgrade design approach, utilizing sophisticated analysis and modeling tools customized for different subgrade elements, is put forward in this study. The methodology incorporates the following essential steps: (1) the advancement of digital analysis and modeling techniques for diverse subgrade components, including surfaces, filling, slopes, retaining structures, and foundation treatments; (2) the formulation of a digital design principle repository incorporating various slope protection combinations; (3) the establishment of a comprehensive digital design framework and process for subgrade cross-sections; and (4) the development and implementation of an open-source digital design system. Findings – The proposed method liberates subgrade design from the constraints of conventional drawing platforms, elevating efficiency, intelligence, and flexibility. The open software architecture and code have achieved over 60% efficiency gains in design workflows during its deployment on three major high-speed rail projects: the Baotou-Yinchuan HSR corridor, Shenyang-Baihe HSR network, and Weifang-Yantai HSR system. Originality/value – This paper introduces an innovative digital design methodology that enables modular and parametric design for railway subgrade sections. The proposed approach provides a digital base for the intelligent design and maintenance of the next-generation high-speed railway.
ISSN:2755-0907
2755-0915