Keywords: slab track, long-term behaviour, 3D modelling, dynamic analysis.

The slab tracks are, nowadays, very popular due to the reduced number of maintenance operations required. Indeed, the slab track systems have been an option in the scope of the high-speed lines in Asia but also in Europe to increase the connectivity between the main cities and their influence in the economic growth of the European Union. Thus, in order to assure very good performance of the tracks and also to improve it and reduce the costs associated with the maintenance operations, the short but also the long-term performance must be considered in the design phase. Indeed, despite the importance of the short-term analysis, the integrated evaluation of the long-term is essential since the long-term performance is dependent on the behaviour of the substructure but can influence the global performance of the track. Due to the important role of the performance of the slab tracks in high-speed lines, this work attempts to study and evaluate in detail the behaviour of the “new” 3MB slab track system. This system presents a modular arrangement that allows for an easy correction of the track geometry, as well as a quick repair and renewal in case of an accident. Thus, this study incorporates the analysis and evaluation of the short and long-term dynamic performance of the track using an integrated and hybrid approach that includes 3D modelling and the articulation with a calibrated empirical permanent deformation model to analyse the performance of the subgrade material.

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