Static performance test of new separated beam-track slab structure for high-speed maglev

To address the complex manufacturing process, high construction difficulty, and difficulty in adjusting track surface alignment in the integrated beam-track structure for high-speed maglev, a new separated beam-track slab (abbreviated as separated beam-track slab) was proposed. A full-scale model test of the separated beam-track slab was designed and conducted to characterize its static performance. Displacement and stress of the grid concrete slab, reinforcement, and steel fastener system under various load levels were measured. Bearing capacity, failure characteristics, and stress distribution in critical regions were analyzed. A refined finite element model of the slab was established using ABAQUS. Sensitivity analyses were performed for structural parameters. Effects of reinforcement diameter and shear stud diameter on static performance were investigated. Displacements and stress distributions under different diameters were compared, and reasonable structural parameters were suggested. Analysis results show that the slab is in a linear elastic state under the design load, with a peak displacement of 0.11 mm. The concrete lateral beam shows micro-cracks for the first time under three times the design load. Under five times the design load, the slab remains operable in a cracked state, with a peak displacement of 0.46 mm, which is below the allowable limit of 0.516 mm. The slab meets the design requirement and has a sufficient capacity margin. Under normal operational state, the maglev train load is mainly borne by the concrete slab. Stress mechanisms of components are clear, and local effects are apparent. Increasing reinforcement diameter can enhance global stiffness and reduce component stress, while shear stud diameter has a minimal effect on static performance. These findings provide reference values for the design of the new separated beam-track slab.