Seismic damage and intensity analysis of conventional railways

Purpose The study aims to analyze the relationship between seismic damage to various railway infrastructures and seismic intensity through historical seismic damage investigations of conventional railways, thereby addressing the issues of a lack of focus in post-earthquake inspections and prolonged train service restoration times after seismic events. Design/methodology/approach Post-earthquake railway inspection data were collected from 6 historical earthquakes in Xinjiang and 4 in the Sichuan-Yunnan region through field surveys and data research. Longitude and latitude coordinates of damaged sections were calculated according to their kilometer markers (K marks) and visualized on maps. The approximate seismic intensity at each damage site was estimated using intensity attenuation relationships or instrumental intensity data from adjacent stations, and empirical patterns of seismic damage modes were summarized. Findings Through investigations of historical seismic data and actual railway damage in Xinjiang and the Sichuan-Yunnan region, results indicate that in areas with seismic intensity greater than Level V (I > V), main structural damage to conventional railway infrastructure occurs. This includes cracking of bridge piers and abutments, differential settlement at bridge ends, track distortion, fracture of tunnel portals, and edge collapse, all of which disrupt train operations. In contrast, in areas with seismic intensity of Level V or below (I = V), no records indicate that earthquakes caused main structural damage to conventional railway infrastructure. Only damage to ancillary facilities was observed, such as concrete spalling from girders, cracking of transverse diaphragms, damaged protective cones, deformed limiters, and cracks in subgrade slopes—none of which affect train passage. Originality/value Based on investigations into the post-earthquake infrastructure conditions of conventional-speed railways in earthquake-prone regions of China such as Xinjiang, Sichuan and Yunnan after 10 historical earthquakes, this study analyzed the correlation between seismic damage and corresponding seismic intensities using instrumental intensity data from surrounding seismic stations and intensity attenuation laws. A conclusion was drawn that train operation remains unaffected in areas with seismic intensity no higher than V (I = V). For the first time, this research established a correlation between post-earthquake damage to conventional-speed railways and seismic intensity, and identified the safety threshold at seismic intensity V. The findings enable railway personnel to conduct targeted post-earthquake inspections, significantly reduce inspection workload, and alleviate the pressure on post-earthquake operation recovery.