Finite-infinite element coupled analysis on the influence of material parameters on the dynamic properties of transition zones

•A finite-infinite element model of a high-speed railway transition zone is proposed.•The influence of simultaneously varied parameters on system dynamics is investigated.•The recommended dynamic elastic moduli of the subgrade components are recommended.

Based on the theory of vehicle-track coupling dynamics, a plane stress finite-infinite element model of a high-speed railway subgrade-bridge transition zone is proposed. With this model, the influence of 2 simultaneously varied subgrade material parameters on the dynamic response of the vehicle-track-subgrade system in a high speed railway transition zone with the slab track is investigated. The results indicate that the influence of the dynamic elastic modulus of the graded broken stone on the dynamic response of the vehicle system is larger than that of the dynamic elastic modulus of the subgrade bed surface layer. The recommended dynamic elastic moduli of the subgrade bed surface layer and the graded broken stone are chosen as 4000 MPa and 2000 MPa, respectively.