Track Longitudinal Irregularities at Bridge Deck Expansion Joint with ZLR(Zero Longitudinal Restraint)

활동체결장치가 설치된 교량상판 신축이음부에서의 궤도고저틀림에 미치는 영향

In designing the high-speed railroad track, it is important to utilize appropriate track components to maintain uniform stiffness and ensure track alignment within the tolerance set for that system. In this regard, continuous welded rails (CWRs) were introduced to the Korean railways. Yet the installation of CWRs can result in an adverse impact due to the track/structure interaction on bridge sections yielding variations in the stiffness at the expansion joints. It may also impose additional axial force, generate excessive stress or deflection on track, and loosen the ballast at the ends as a bridge deck contracts or expands owing to a thermally-induced dynamic response. The risk is even greater in a long bridge deck, resulting in track longitudinal irregularities, deteriorating passenger's comfort, and increasing maintenance efforts. This study evaluates the performance of ZLR and their impact on track longitudinal irregularities through the track measuring results on a test section installed the ZLR in order to minimize the thermally-induced responses and the maintenance efforts for the high speed railway bridges.