Frost heave force analysis of pre-embedded dowel in the high-speed railway ballastless track

The connection between the anchor bolt and the pre-embedded dowel largely determines the reliability of the railway fastener system. However, the failure of the pre-embedded dowel and the uplift of the anchor bolt are found in the process of railway operation. Therefore, a finite element model is established based on the frost heave force test of the pre-embedded dowel. Not only the relationship between the geometric size (height and diameter) of the space filled with water and the frost heave force is obtained when the water in the pre-embedded dowel is frozen, but also the theoretical formula of radial frost heave force is modified based on the empirical equation. The results show that the maximum vertical frost heave force of the pre-embedded dowel in WJ-7 fastener system is about 28.73kN when the anchor bolt is completely screwed. In order to protect the reliability of the fastener system, the waterproof measures should be strengthened to prevent water from infiltrating into the pre-embedded dowel in the cold region.