Laboratory tests of resistance to severe environmental conditions of prototypical under sleeper pads applied in the ballasted track structures

[摘要] The present paper focuses on the analysis of resistance of several prototypical under sleeper pads (USP) to severe environmental conditions. Taking into account the climate in Poland, evaluation of USP in regard to water and frost resistance should be performed and the influence of high temperatures should be analyzed. In the present paper results of several tests carried out on the selected USP are presented. The tests were performed in accordance with the rules given in PN-EN 16730. Concrete blocks with USP were immersed in water at room temperature for 24 h and then placed in a climatic chamber for resistance testing. The results show that the severe environmental conditions influence the damping-related parameters of USP, which affects the effectiveness of the vibration isolation. The performed analyses allowed the authors to indicate the most resistant pads that will undergo further testing. Additionally, requirements of several railway infrastructure managers as well as authors' recommendations concerning the properties of USP were given.

[学科分类] 建筑学

[关键词] under sleeper pads;vibration damping;resistance to severe environmental conditions