Prevention and Control of Wind–Sand and Wind–Snow Compound Disasters Along Railways Based on Wind Tunnel Testing and Numerical Simulations

Due to intensified climate change and increasing extreme wind events, wind–sand and wind–snow compound disasters pose growing threats to the safety, serviceability, and long-term sustainability of railway infrastructure, particularly in arid and cold regions such as Xinjiang. To support sustainable transportation and enhance infrastructure resilience, this study investigates the airflow field characteristics and composite particle transport under different fence configurations through a combination of wind tunnel testing and numerical simulations. The results show that double-row fences significantly reduce particle transport and deposition, improving the long-term stability of railway lines while minimizing maintenance frequency and energy consumption. Orthogonal analysis indicates that fence spacing exerts the strongest influence on composite particle deposition, followed by fence height and porosity. Furthermore, composite sand–snow particles exhibit a synergistically enhanced transport capacity under high wind speeds, highlighting the need for integrated mitigation measures. This study provides practical guidance for designing sustainable, low-impact, and climate-adaptive protection systems in regions facing compound wind-driven hazards, contributing to the broader goals of enhancing infrastructure durability and achieving sustainable regional development.