Nonlinear modelling for structural damage assessments of reinforced and coated longitudinally coupled slab tracks

Interface debonding and slab end arching of the anchor-reinforced and coated longitudinally continuous slab tracks have been unprecedentedly investigated in this study. A novel finite element model of the longitudinally continuous slab track has been established by incorporating a tailored cohesive zone model to mimic nonlinear constitutive relationships. The new model has been validated by over 100 field measurement data. This paper is the first to assess the influences of the dual applications of anchors and coatings on the damages of the longitudinally continuous slab tracks, and to identify the effectiveness of different track maintenance methods in mitigating track damages. This study exhibits new findings: (1) In comparison with traditional tracks, the tracks constructed with anchors, coatings, and the combined use of both can reduce the maximum vertical relative displacement between the concrete slab and the mortar layer by 75%, 40%, and 85% respectively. (2) In comparison with 4 anchors, 6 or more anchors in each slab can help to prevent inner interface defects. However, an increase in anchor quantity above 6 anchors does not have a significant impact on the interface damage mitigation. (3) For the anchor-reinforced tracks, the organic coating outweighs the inorganic coating to improve interface damage mitigation.