Experimental Study on Compression Failure of Type II Ballastless Track Slab Based on Optical Fiber Sensing

Ballastless track structures are widely employed in high-speed rail networks because of their superior safety and durability. Among the various types of ballastless track, the Type II slab is currently one of the most extensively used and mature technologies in practice. Over the course of its service life, the damage within the ballastless track structure gradually accumulates in response to increased external loads. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously monitor the health condition of the track structure. In this study, a quasi-distributed fiber optic sensing system is adopted to monitor the deformation capacity and force performance of a Type II ballastless track slab under vertical load. The investigation aims to analyze the damage mechanism of the track structure under vertical pressure by assessing the deformation differences among its different components. The findings reveal that the incorporation of vertical reinforcement can enhance the pressure bearing capacity of the cement asphalt mortar layer to a certain extent, subsequently affecting the stress dilation. The stress performance of the ballastless track slab can be effectively monitored using the quasi-distributed fiber optic sensing technology under pressure. The outcomes of this research offer valuable insights for controlling displacement and analyzing damage in ballastless railway systems subjected to compression. © The Author(s) 2024.