Reducing slab track vibration into bridge using elastic materials in high speed railway

In this paper, the problem of vibration transmission from slab track structures into bridge is studied by theoretical analysis. A vehicle–track–bridge coupling system dynamics model is established based on a multibody dynamics theory and a finite element method. The system model consists of vehicle model, track–bridge model and wheel/rail interaction model. The vehicle model is established based on the multibody dynamics theory, and the tack–bridge model is established by the finite element method. The vehicle model and track–bridge model are coupled through wheel/rail interaction model, and the track irregularities are included. The system dynamic responses are calculated, and the effectiveness of elastic materials in vibration reducing is discussed. The results demonstrate that elastic materials like slab mat layer inserted between slab track and bridge can reduce vibration transmitted from track into the bridge. Some suggestions for the design and application of slab mat are provided in the end of the paper.