INTERACTION AND LOAD TRANSFER THROUGH TRACK GUIDEWAY SYSTEMS. FINAL REPORT

This report describes investigations toward analysis of load transfer and interaction in multicomponent track support systems such as railroad beds. A comprehensive review of the available and relevant literature is followed by delineation of the need for improvements and generalization of the previous analytical and numerical models for track beds. A new finite element approach, called Resistance-Response (RR) method is proposed; it can account for factors such as three-dimensional geometry, nonlinear behavior and interaction effects between various track components. Attention is given to the constitutive behavior of "solid" as well as "interface" media. A new dynamic multi degree-of-freedom shear device is developed in order to obtain behavior of interfaces subjected to repetitive loads in various modes of deformation. Proposed work for the next year's research is described, and the potential of application of the research results for analysis and design and improvements in track structures is indicated.