Development of train ride comfort prediction model for railway slab track system

Abstract Despite considerable importance of train ride comfort (TRC) in railway slab tracks, there is no TRC prediction model for the slab tracks in the available literature. In this regard, a practical TRC prediction model was developed in this research, taking into account all the track and rolling stock influencing parameters. For this purpose, a vehicle/slab-track interaction model was developed. The model was validated using the results obtained from a comprehensive field test. The effects of rail pad, resilient layer, subgrade, properties of rolling stock suspension systems and vehicle speed on the TRC were studied through a parametric study of the model in which random rail irregularities with various severities were considered. The results obtained were used to develop the TRC prediction model. The accuracy of the model predictions was evaluated by comparing them with those obtained from a railway field. It was shown that the TRC prediction model developed here is a reliable tool for estimation of the TRC from slab track properties, rolling stock parameters and track irregularities. Applicability of the model in the real world of practice is illustrated.