Investigation of Three Concrete Material Models of LS-DYNA for Analysing Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers

As an essential part of ballasted track, pre-stressed concrete sleepers (PCSs) play a major role in track performance and safety. Depending on track condition and train speed, PCSs are subjected to high magnitude dynamic loads which can cause premature damage, mostly in the form of crack. To investigate the behavior of high performance concrete sleepers under the dynamic loads, a finite element model of a PCS has been developed using LS-DYNA and has been validated based on available literature. This article highlights the suitability of concrete material models, implemented in LS-DYNA, for simulating concrete material of the PCSs. Three material models, including MAT072R3, MAT084 and MAT159, have been investigated. The results indicate that when the generated parameters are used, three models overestimate the bending moments and tensile stresses at the rail seat. However, the anticipated results using MAT084 shows less discrepancy.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pre-stressed Concrete sleepers ، LS-DYNA ، Dynamic Loads ، Material Models