Finite Element Analysis of Elastic Rail Fastenings

Dalibor Bartos
University of Zagreb

Modern rail transport with heavy loads and high vehicle speeds requires the introduction of adequate fastening of the rail to the base. On most tracks where driving speeds exceed 100 km/h, railway companies use elastic fastenings to fasten rails to the base. Modern fastening systems are quite complex structures. Therefore, today's use of FEM models in the analysis of fastenings is inevitable.

In order to be certain of the credibility of the created model, it is also beneficial to conduct and compare calculation results with the experimental study results, as only verified models can be used for analysis in daily engineering practice. In this way, constructions, or a given element within a construction, can be optimised.