Modelling of Balfour Beatty Embedded Rail System (BBES) for Dynamic Analysis

dc.contributor.advisorMequanent Mulugeta (PhD)
dc.contributor.authorMesfin Hailu
dc.date.accessioned2025-10-07T09:14:09Z
dc.date.available2025-10-07T09:14:09Z
dc.date.issued2015-01
dc.description.abstractThe main purpose of design of track structure is to have cost effective good riding quality with optimum speed. Recently, several findings are giving attention for a track of high speed with maximum comfort to have ideal track. However, most tracks of these types are prone to huge initial investment, so that still on the ground, the old traditional ballasted track system is dominantly under construction with its several problems. The Balfour Beatty Embedded Rail Track System (BBES) is invented to offer economical as well as safety and comfort advantages. In this thesis, dynamic response of BBES studied. Track dynamic analysis has been done by modeling the prototype track using finite elements and analyzing the spatial responses of the track. The first step was developing a finite element model of the track using known modeling software- ABAQUS. The modelling algorithm was made in 3D to analyze the system responses. The dynamic responses of the track evaluated and some responses are compared to that of traditional ballasted track from literatures of previous studies. The natural frequency, modal dynamics and response spectra of the track analyzed using ABAQUS steady state dynamic solver. Effect of rail pad stiffness on the on the rail has been investigated under single harmonic load. The finite element solutions obtained from the solver software are based on frequency domain. The results of the track dynamic responses are encouraging that it could be the best fit of requirements of track structures of the era. The vertical displacement of the BBES rail is lower than that of the conventional ballasted track system. Dynamic spectrum shows that most BBES dynamic responses are maximum at lower frequencies so that the period of vibrations are longer at these maxima. Higher displacement is shown in lower stiffness rail pad so that dynamic aggressiveness decreases in decreasing the pad stiffness. The thesis discussion also includes the potential of manufacturing the components of BBES in Ethiopia. The presence of companies in Ethiopia potentially capable to manufacture different components of the track and the small number of components needed for the track make it’s life cycle cost less than that of conventional ballasted track.
dc.identifier.urihttps://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7461
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherAddis Ababa University
dc.subjectDynamic Modeling
dc.subjectBBES
dc.subjectBalastless Track
dc.subjectDynamic Responses
dc.subjectSteady State Dynamic Analysis
dc.subjectHarmonic Load
dc.titleModelling of Balfour Beatty Embedded Rail System (BBES) for Dynamic Analysis
dc.typeThesis

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