Shear anchor behavior and design of an embedded concrete rack rail track for mountain trains

In this study, a novel mountain train system was developed that can run along a steep gradient of 180 0/100 and sharp curve with a minimum radius of 10 m. For this novel mountain train, an embedded precast concrete rack rail track was implemented to share the track with an automobile road and increase constructability in mountainous regions. The embedded rack rail track is connected to a hydraulically stabilized base (HSB) layer with shear anchors, which must have sufficient longitudinal resistance because they bear most of the traction forces originated from the rack rail and longitudinal loads owing to the steep gradient. In addition, the damage to the shear anchor parts, including the surrounding concrete, must be strictly limited under the service load because the maintenance of shear anchors inside the track is extremely difficult after installation. In this study, the focus was made on the shear anchor behavior and design an embedded rack rail track, considering the serviceability and ultimate limit states. Accordingly, the design loads for mountain trains were established, and the serviceability criteria of the anchor were proposed. Subsequently, the resistance and damage of the shear anchors were evaluated and analyzed based on the results of several finite element analyses. Finally, the design method of the shear anchors for the embedded rack rail track was established and verified.