A review on structural configuration and constitutive material behavior of rail tracks in finite element modeling

A better understanding of the constitutive material behavior is imperative in predicting mechanical responses and performance of rail tracks that are usually categorized as either conventional ballasted tracks or unconventional ballastless tracks. Computational approaches such as finite element modeling and discrete element modeling have been primary methods to model rail tracks for mechanistic analysis and design. In particular, finite element modeling is advantageous as an eff rigorous tool in predicting the long-term track behavior under different loading conditions with great versatility for addressing the constitutive behavior of various materials used in rail tracks. This paper aims to recapitulate the major findings of many international studies on the finite element modeling of conventional and unconventional rail tracks and deliver a collective review of the structural configuration of rail tracks and the constitutive behavior of materials used to model rail tracks. In addition, we present the existing limitations and/or gaps in the current literature. Information presented in this study can aid the rail track engineering community with further insights on rail track performance prediction in a purely mechanistic manner, which can potentially bring a significant reduction in the complex and costly full-scale testing.