Study on the longitudinal vibration attenuation law of trapezoidal sleeper track under impact loads

Trapezoidal sleepers exhibit better vibration reduction performance compared to ordinary track bed structures. However, the longitudinal vibration transmission law of these sleepers remains unclear, hindering the interpretation of abnormal phenomena and further structural optimization. This paper designs a full-scale model of a trapezoidal sleeper, applies impact loads using a hammer, and collects vibration responses at multiple points to analyze the longitudinal vibration attenuation law of the trapezoidal sleeper. Results show that during longitudinal vibration transmission, the vibration response duration of each structure gradually increases. For the peak and RMS values of vibration acceleration per unit distance, the response reduction amplitude of the track slab and ground is greater than that of the rail, and the corresponding reduction occurs earlier for both. The power spectral density of the trapezoidal sleeper gradually decreases from the center of the slab to the ends, with vibration amplification occurring at the 1/4 position and the ends. Strengthening the end constraints and optimizing the spacing of the vibration damping pads are necessary to achieve uniform vibration attenuation.