Calibration of 2D and 3D Track Models for Simulation of Vehicle–track Interaction and Differential Settlement in Transition Zones Using Field Measurement Data

Paper in proceeding, 2025

A comparison of two models of vertical dynamic vehicle–track interaction in a transition zone between a ballasted track and a 3MB slab track is presented. The dynamic analysis is performed using 2D and 3D models in MATLAB and ANSYS, respectively. The Kelvin-Voigt model representing the foundation for the sleeper in the 2D model is calibrated based on the calculated track receptance from the more extensive 3D model, which includes the track superstructure on a layered soil foundation. Both models are used to simulate the passage of an iron ore freight vehicle through the transition zone at 60 km/h. Sleeper vertical displacements, sleeper–ballast contact forces and wheel–rail contact forces are compared. Both models show results for similar orders of magnitude. The simulation time is about 25 times shorter for the 2D model.