4. Conclusions
A 3D FE model was developed in this study in order to examine the effects of train speed (250, 300, and 360 km/h) and line patterns (unidirectional and bidirectional operations) on the dynamic responses of subgrade subject to high-speed moving constant loads. The following conclusions are drawn based on the findings:
(1) The maximum vertical stress increases with an increase in train speed for both unidirectional and bidirectional operations. The maximum vertical stress of the subgrade increases by 6% and 2% for bidirectional and unidirectional operation, respectively, as the train speed increases from 250 to 360 km/h. However, the maximum vertical stresses are generally lower for bidirectional operation.
(2) The vertical displacements are higher at all observation points (Point A, Point B, and Point C) for bidirectional operation, indicating that the subgrade structure sustains more external force.
(3) The vertical velocity slightly increases as the train speed increases from 250 to 360 km/h. The vertical velocity-time history curves are mainly controlled by the bogie loads, rather than the wheel loads. The absolute maximum vertical velocities of the subgrade are 10.64 and 9.50 mm/s for bidirectional and unidirectional operation, respectively, at 360 km/h.
(4) The maximum vertical acceleration at Point B is 0.54 m/s2 for bidirectional operation, which is twice the value for unidirectional operation.
(5) The vibrations at Point B are more severe for bidirectional operation compared with those for unidirectional operation.
(6) At the subgrade surface, the vertical stresses are maximum under the rails and the stress distributions are asymmetric for bidirectional operation.
(7) The vertical stress attenuates along the soil depth at Point A and the vertical stress attenuation is more pronounced under bidirectional operation. However, a different trend is observed at Point B, where the vertical stress amplifies along the soil depth. The vertical stresses at Point A and Point B tend to be close to one another with an increase in soil depth such that the values are nearly coincident in the embankment layer within the range of train speeds investigated in this study.