Structural optimisation of fixed railway crossing panels accounting for eccentric wheel–rail contact loads

The potential for structural optimisation of fixed railway crossing panels is studied. Structural requirements for the crossing panel are established, and a rigorously validated simulation model of dynamic vehicle–track interaction is employed to evaluate the structural loading within the panel. A multi-objective optimisation problem is formulated to minimise the component masses within the crossing panel while ensuring that the induced loading does not exceed their respective limits. This problem is solved using a genetic algorithm and a Pareto front is generated, considering both traffic directions (moves). It is shown that the trailing move is the dimensioning case, due to increased bending stresses in the crossing rail arising from eccentric loading. Using three different weighting strategies, based on CO2 emissions, deterioration and economic cost, the Pareto solutions are weighted to identify the optimal designs. The economic and deterioration-based weightings show similar trends, favouring a reduction in the crossing rail dimensions at the expense of a larger sleeper cross-section. In contrast, the environmental-based weighting supports a more balanced reduction in both sleeper and crossing rail dimensions.