Analysis of stress-strain state changes in railway tracks during transition to European gauge

Abstract The geographical location of Ukraine facilitates its integration into the transportation network connecting European countries. Various options exist for transitioning from the gauge of 1 520 mm to the European standard gauge of 1 435 mm. This paper aims to analyze the changes in the stress-strain state of railway track elements during the reconstruction of existing sections from the 1 520 mm gauge to the 1 435 mm European gauge or to a dual gauge of 1 435/1 520 mm. To perform these calculations, a spatial model of dynamic deformations in the railway track is employed, based on the principles of elasticity theory. The implementation of a combined railway track complicates the stress state of the ballast layer, leading to asymmetric stresses along the length of the sleepers, which vary depending on the track on which trains operate. There is also a redistribution of stresses acting on the ground structure, which has been in operation for many years. The research results identify changes in the stress-strain state of the railway track and can be used to justify measures for the appropriate reinforcement of the ballast layer and the ground structure.