The paper presents a new general method of modelling route segments curvature using differential equations. The method enables joining of route segments of different curvature. Transitional curves of linear and nonlinear curvatures have been identified in the case of joining two circular arcs by S-shaped and C-oval transitions. The obtained S-shaped curves have been compared to the cubic C-Bezier curves and to the Pythagorean hodograph...

A method of railway track geometrical layout design, based on application of cubic C-Bezier curves for describing the layout curvature is presented in the article. The control points of a cubic C-Bezier curve are obtained in an optimization process carried out using Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. The optimization criteria are based on the evaluation of the dynamic interactions and satisfaction of geometrical design requirements.

Results of the numerical simulations of the size effect phenomenon for concrete in comparison with experimental data are presented. In-plane geometrically similar notched and unnotched beams under three-point bending are analyzed. EXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM) with a cohesive softening law is used. Comprehensive parametric study with the respect to the tensile strength and the initial fracture energy is performed. Sensitivity...