Dynamic interaction analysis of trains moving on embankments during earthquakes

This study developed a time-domain finite element method to simulate the derailment of trains moving on embankments under seismic loading. The finite element mesh included trains, rails, embankment foundation, soil, and the absorbing boundary condition, where the seismic displacements were applied at the bottom of the mesh. For the cases of a perfectly smooth rail with or without seismic loading, the train derailment coefficients are almost independent of train speeds. However, with minor rail irregularities, they are highly dependent on train speeds. This study also shows that the resonance between the train and earthquake plays an important role in train derailment. The maximum derailment coefficients are quite linear in proportion to the peak ground acceleration (PGA) of the earthquake, if the structural behaviors and dynamic soil properties are not nonlinear.

► We developed a FEM to simulate the train derailment under earthquakes.
► For smooth rails, derailment coefficients are almost independent of train speeds.
► With minor rail irregularities, they are highly dependent on train speeds.
► The train and earthquake resonance plays an important role in train derailment.
► The maximum derailment coefficients are quite linear in proportion to earthquake PGA.