Optimizing Railway Superstructures: a Multi-Objective Approach To Force Isolation and Cost Efficiency Under Environmental Dynamics

Ulu A., Arıkoğlu A., Metin M.

JOURNAL OF VIBRATION ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGIES, cilt.13, sa.586, ss.1-17, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

Özet

Purpose This study develops an innovative optimization methodology for railway superstructure design. This methodology

aims to achieve the most cost-effective optimal railway superstructure design by minimizing forces transmitted from the rail

to the environment while considering environmental factors such as temperature, and by suppressing vibration amplitudes

to ensure track stability. The research focuses on achieving Pareto-optimal designs that balance force isolation with cost

efficiency for non-ballasted superstructures.

Methods Two common non-ballasted superstructure models were analyzed: a single-layer elastomer pad and a dual-layer

configuration. Viscoelastic material behavior, influenced by frequency and temperature, was modeled using an innovative

ten-parameter framework integrated with the Generalized Maxwell Model (GMM). Dynamic-mechanical analysis data from

twelve elastomer pads informed the model. The Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) generated Paretooptimal

solutions, with finite element method (FEM) simulations validating dynamic response damping under rail surface

irregularities.

Results The optimization yielded Pareto fronts demonstrating effective trade-offs between minimal force transmission and

cost. FEM simulations confirmed superior vibration isolation, with significant reductions in dynamic forces transmitted to

the track foundation, enhancing environmental protection across operational conditions.

Conclusion The proposed methodology represents a transformative advancement in railway engineering, enabling costeffective,

environmentally sensitive superstructure designs that outperform traditional methods in vibration control and

stability.