Influence of Local Deformation Mode of Cable-Stayed Bridge on Unballasted Tracks: Experimental Research

The complex local deformation modes of the cable-stayed bridge influence the deformation characteristics of the unballasted tracks laid on it. In this work, a large-scale segment model of a cable-stayed bridge was fabricated, and the maximum upward bending deformation mode of the cable-stayed bridge was realized by multipoint loading on the segment model to study the deformation behaviors of the unballasted tracks. Experimental results indicated that the nonlinear behaviors of the rubber isolation layers are apparent with the loading increased, and the interlayer behaviors of the unballasted track can be improved by the rubber isolation layer. Besides, the relative tensile deformations at interlayers of the unballasted track are inevitable. It is noted that no void and silt form at interlayers of the unballasted tracks with rubber isolation layers due to the precompressions of the rubber material. However, it is entirely possible to produce some diseases such as voids and silts at interlayers of the unballasted track with the geotextile isolation layers paved on the cable-stayed bridge. Furthermore, it is feasible to use the elastic isolation layer to improve the interlayer deformation characteristics because a particular elastic buffer is provided at interlayers of the unballasted track.