Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Lateral Resistance of Single Y-Shaped Steel Sleeper on Ballasted Tracks

Lateral track stability is a critical parameter in ballasted railway tracks considering track buckling. The sleeper type has a direct impact on lateral track stability. Due to the Y-shape sleeper tracks' truss structure, the lateral resistance increased in comparison with the monoblock sleepers, which is an efficient alternative, particularly in sharp curves. In this study, the lateral resistance of Y-shaped steel sleepers is examined using the single tie push test (STPT) as an alternative for the improvement of lateral ballast resistance. Furthermore, the discrete element method (DEM) was used to estimate the contribution of ballast components to the lateral resistance of the single sleeper. In addition, the effect of shoulder ballast width on the lateral resistance was considered in DEM models. DEM simulations confirmed that the higher sufficient lateral resistance (about 14 kN) could be achieved with a shoulder width of 200 mm.