Impact of extreme climate and train traffic loads on the performance of high-speed railway geotechnical infrastructures

Abstract

High-speed railways are very important in global transportation. However, the railway subgrade is significantly affected by the environment due to its exposure to the atmosphere. At present, global warming is the primary trend in world climate change and seriously damages railway infrastructure. Owing to the coupling effect of extreme environmental and train loads, various subgrade problems tend to arise, such as settlement, ballast fouling, and mud pumping, thus inducing frequent railway accidents and reducing travel safety. Insights into the problems triggered by extreme climate and train loads are critical to the design and long-term operation of high-speed railway subgrades. This study therefore presents a detailed survey of recent advances in typical subgrade problems through analyzing the problem formation mechanisms and influences. Traditional and emerging detection/monitoring technologies in respect of subgrade problems are discussed in detail, as well as pre-accident and post-accident maintenance methods. Finally, according to the existing challenges in long-term subgrade shakedown assessment, an outlook on open opportunities is provided for future research. 作为全球关键交通基础设施,高速铁路承担着大量的运输任务。极端气候和列车荷载的耦合作用容易诱发各种路基病害,从而导致高速铁路事故频发,极大地影响了人们的出行安全。因此,研究极端气候与列车交通耦合作用对高铁路基长期服役性能的影响具有重要意义。本文总结了当前高铁路基长期服役过程中出现的路基病害类型,针对典型病害的研究现状、路基短期检测和长期监测技术以及路基病害的控制修复手段进行回顾,指出目前研究的不足,并为今后该领域的研究提供了一定的建议。