Numerical study of train-induced pressure on platform screen doors of a subway station

Abstract

We numerically investigate the train-induced transient pressure on the platform screen doors (PSDs) of an island-type platform in a subway station according to real scenarios and full-scale simulation to enhance understanding of the design and safe operation of subway trains. Two typical cases, namely, the non-stop and chasing cases, were examined, with the train’s speed variation well simulated throughout both cases. In the non-stop case, a train passes through the station without stopping; in the chasing case, a train stops at the station while another subsequent train approaches through the tunnel, which inevitably happens during rush hours. It is observed that the train generates a compression wave when it passes the tunnel’s ventilation shaft, similar to what occurs when entering a tunnel. In the non-stop case, the PSDs experience two positive and one negative pressure extremes in the whole process. The first positive peak results from an oncoming compression wave through the tunnel, while the second positive and negative peaks arise due to the passing of the train head and tail, respectively. In the chasing case, the stopped train at the platform leads to a blockage effect that significantly increases the pressure on the PSDs via the oncoming compression wave. This lateral pressure may result in the failure of proper operation of the PSDs, particularly during rush hours, with pressure lasting for roughly 5.7 seconds. It is also found that, compared to the fully sealed PSD, both the half-height and partial porous PSDs can significantly reduce the pressure load caused by the passing of the train head, with its maximum pressure load reduced by 38.7% and 38.2%, respectively. Therefore, if the pressure load on a fully sealed PSD is too high for structural design, one may consider the use of half-height and partial porous PSDs as an alternative. Our study offers crucial insights into the train-induced transient pressure on PSDs in a subway station island-type platform. It provides guidance on optimizing the pressure/operation problem on PSDs and offers valuable information for the safe design and operation of subway trains.