Calculation of Reasonable Tension Value for Longitudinal Connecting Reinforcement of CRTSII Slab Ballastless Track

There is a confusion in the original design concept for the tensioning of longitudinally connected reinforcement of CRTSII slab ballastless track. In order to clarify the effect of tension value of longitudinal reinforcement on mechanical characteristics of ballastless track, a three dimensional finite element model considering the nonlinear interaction between the track slab and CA mortar of CRTSII slab ballastless track was established. The mechanical characteristics of the track structure under longitudinal tension load and temperature gradient load of the longitudinal joint were calculated. A method of applying pre-stress to post-pouring concrete was proposed according to the concept of pre-stress loss of pretensioning pre-stressed concrete, reasonable tensile force value was proposed after the crack width and the reinforcement stress of the ballastless track in the operation stage were checked and calculated according to the concrete design principle. When the tension force is greater than 300 kN, it’s harmful to the bonding between the slab and mortar layer, which is prone to interlayer damage. In order to adding pre-stress to concrete of wide joints to ensure the longitudinal stability of ballastless track and the reinforcement stress and crack width to meet the design requirements. It is suggested that the tension force value should be 230 kN, and the temperature difference between reinforcement and concrete should be 30 °C before the initial curdle of wide joint concrete.