Stress transfer mechanism of ballast bed using DEM (Discrete Element Method)

Ballast is an important component of railway track structures. The granular ballast can be modelled using [mite or discrete element methods. The DE method has advantages to enable us to analyze the microstructure of granular materials and to exhibit information which cannot be assessed using FE methods. In this paper, sleeper, the ballast, and ballast mat in the high-speed railroad line are modelled using two-dimensional discrete circle and line elements. The stress transferred from the sleeper via the ballast to the subgrade is analyzed. In addition, the shape and angle of stress distribution of ballast bed is evaluated with different boundary conditions for the high-speed railroad line.