Railway track deflection analysis by using evolutionary algorithms

Abstract

In contrast to numerical methods, analytical modelling of the railway track is one of the less time-consuming and computationally demanding methods which, in combination with the computing power commonly available today, can form an effective tool for analysing the behaviour of the railway track. This paper deals with the use of iterative methods of evolutionary algorithms, together with analytical modelling, for the purpose of reverse analysis of the measured deflection caused by moving loads acting on the railway track. The theoretical assumptions of the analytical model used, the data collection methodology and the method used for the reverse analysis are presented. The results of the analysis are also presented.