Coupled simulation of wave propagation and water flow in soil induced by high-speed trains
Journal article, 2008

The purpose of this paper is to simulate the coupled dynamic deformation and water flow that occur in saturated soils when subjected to traffic loads, which is a problem with several practical applications. The wave propagation causes vibrations leading to discomfort for passengers and people in the surroundings and increase wear on both the vehicle and road structure. The water flow may cause internal erosion and material transport in the soil. Further, the increased pore water pressure could reduce the bearing capacity of embankments. The saturated soil is modelled as a water-saturated porous medium. The traffic is modelled as a number of moving wheel contact loads. Dynamic effects are accounted for, which lead to a coupled problem with solid displacements, water velocity and pressure as primary unknowns. A finite element program has been developed to perform simulations. The simulations clearly demonstrate the induced wave propagation and water flow in the soil. The simulation technique is applicable to railway as well as road traffic.

high-speed train

finite element

porous media

dynamic

wave propagation

water flow

deformation

coupled

Author

Per Kettil

Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Material and Computational Mechanics

Bernd Lenhof

Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Material and Computational Mechanics

Kenneth Runesson

Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Material and Computational Mechanics

Nils-Erik Wiberg

Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Material and Computational Mechanics

International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics

0363-9061 (ISSN) 10969853 (eISSN)

Vol. 32 11 1311-1319

Subject Categories

Mechanical Engineering

Other Civil Engineering

More information

Created

10/7/2017