Analysis of the influence of support positions in transition zones. A numerical analysis.

The recent development and use of new rail track models due to the evolution of the railway, especially with high speed and freight, has meant the introduction of slab track models with an associated variety of transition zones (between ballast and slab track) across railway networks worldwide. However, there are no studies about how the position of the supports could influence the track performance in general and track transitions in particular, how much bigger or smaller the gap must be between slab track and ballasted track. This study tries to find the optimal distance between the supports while maintaining good track performance which is assessed in terms of sleeper vertical displacements and stresses on ballast. Reducing these movements and stresses will increase track life and means less maintenance work. The aim of this paper is to study these effects and try to provide an optimal and low cost solution for existing and future track designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]