Experimental study on dynamic load magnification factor for ballastless track-subgrade of high-speed railway

The magnitude of dynamic load produced by high-speed trains depends on many factors, of which train speed is the most critical one. However, it is quite difficult to determine the effect of train speed on dynamic load using the theoretical methods due to the complexity of the interaction between vehicle and track-subgrade. Thus large-scale model test has gradually become an important approach for studying dynamic responses of ballastless track-subgrade of high-speed railway. In this study, a full-scale model of ballastless track-subgrade was constructed in accordance with the design and construction standards for Shanghai–Nanjing intercity high-speed railway line firstly. Then, the dynamic strain of slab and the dynamic earth pressure of subgrade were measured by conducting single wheel axle excitation test. In addition, the relationship between the dynamic load magnification factor (DLF) and the train speed was obtained. Finally, the DLF of track-subgrade under different train speeds was proposed, similar to that given by German Railway Standard.