Dynamic simulation and optimisation of plate compactors for subballast compaction during rail track rehabilitation

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The sufficient compaction of the formation protective layer (FPL) during track rehabilitation is a crucial process to improve the longevity of railways. Plate compactors are used to ensure sufficient compaction during track-bound rehabilitation works. The most common plate compactor in Austria (Wimmer WBB 530) comprises a frame and a dynamically decoupled, vibrating base plate which includes a rotating mass type of exciter. As the FPL has a thickness of 40 cm (after compaction) ensuring a sufficient compaction presents a challenge to the comparatively light plate compactor. During prior investigations, a mechanical model was developed to determine the motion behaviour of the plate compactor and the interaction between plate compactor and soil during compaction. Additionally, the motion behaviour of the given plate compactor was monitored and analysed during field tests. This paper juxtaposes the simulated motion behaviour and the interaction between plate compactor and soil with data collected during experimental field tests. The investigation shows that the mechanical model can sufficiently replicate the different modes of operation which occur during compaction and can be used for an optimization of the compactor. The measured data corresponds to the simulations. However, the measurements also show that the plate compactor and its periodic loading of the soil highly depends on a careful selection of process parameters.

28th European Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference (EYGEC2024)

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