Lidiane Hellen Dos Santos Santana

Mrs. Lidiane Hellen Dos Santos Santana

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 March 2025 in Construction Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MTMagdiel Acaz de Oliveira Teixeira
Magdiel Acaz de Oliveira Teixeira
WSwilliam wilson Santos
william wilson Santos
LCLisley Madeira Coelho
Lisley Madeira Coelho
LSLidiane Hellen Dos Santos Santana
Lidiane Hellen Dos Santos Santana
FÁFábio Grisolia de Ávila
Fábio Grisolia de Ávila
AGAntonio Carlos Rodrigues Guimarães
Antonio Carlos Rodrigues Guimarães
This study investigates the influence of ballast and sub-ballast thicknesses on the structural behavior of a heavy-haul railway platform by using finite element modeling with SysTrain software (v. 1.84) A parametric analysis was conducted to assess how variations in layer thickness affect key performance parameters, including total deflection, bending moments in the rails, and vertical stresses within the railway track. The results indicate that reducing ballast thickness increases deflection and vertical stresses, while excessive thickness elevates system stiffness, reducing its ability to dissipate stresses. This condition can intensify the transmission of dynamic loads to track components, accelerating rail and sleeper wear and requiring more frequent corrective interventions, thereby increasing maintenance costs. Deflections remained within the 6.35 mm limit established by AREMA, except for one case (6.85 mm), where an excessive ballast thickness (160 cm) combined with low material stiffness resulted in non-compliance. Vertical stresses in the substructure ranged from 106.9 kPa to 155.9 kPa, staying within admissible limits. Additionally, the study highlights the significant role of material properties, particularly the resilient modulus, in the overall track performance. The findings enhance the understanding of how ballast and sub-ballast geometry affect railway structural behavior, demonstrating how numerical modeling with SysTrain can support decision-making in track design and maintenance strategies.