Dynamic performance of continuous railway bridges: Numerical analyses and field tests

Abstract

In this study, a refined finite element model was built that represented the structural and mechanical properties of railway bridges. A coupled vehicle-bridge vibration model was established to simulate the dynamic behavior of the bridge under moving trains. Field tests were then conducted to determine the free vibration characteristics as well as the strain, displacement, and acceleration of the bridge structure under trains moving at different speeds and braking at a specified position from a set speed. The dynamic response of the bridge was found to increase with the train speed, but the main beam of the bridge was more affected by a train braking than the one passing over it. Both the bridge and vehicle were found to meet the relevant requirements for safe design and operation, with the train exhibiting good running safety and smoothness, and the bridge structure showing sufficient stiffness and dynamic performance. Based on the field measurements and analytical modeling, it can be concluded that the use of appropriate equipment and the selection of a suitable layout for the sensors permit the assessment of the dynamic behavior of the bridges from vibration measurements. This indicates the potential for the continuous health monitoring of the railway bridges that may be sensitive to the vehicle-bridge interaction.

Local Stress Behavior of Post-Tensioned Prestressed Anchorage Zones in Continuous Rigid Frame Arch Railway Bridge

“…In this study, differential cooling, creep, and shrinkage of bulb-tee cross sections are studied as potential reasons of crack growth. Kim and Gou et al [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] conducted experiments and comparisons between experimental results and design-equation predictions to determine the effects of steel-fiber and rebar reinforcements on the ultimate bearing strength of the local anchorage zone. The test and the comparisons between the design-equation predictions and the test results showed that the ultimate bearing strength and the section efficiency were highly affected by the reinforcement details and the concrete strength.…”

Dynamic Response of Railway Bridges under Heavy‐Haul Freight Trains

“…In the wake of development in heavy-haul and high-speed railways over the world, the problems of train-bridge dynamic interaction have become increasingly prominent, and considerable progress has been made in this field over the recent decades. Most researchers used field tests and numerical simulations to investigate the vehicle-bridge dynamic interaction [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Numerical models such as moving load models [10,11] and dynamic interaction models [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] have been developed for the train-bridge system (TBS) dynamic interaction.…”

Fatigue Behavior of Prestressed Concrete Beam for Straddle-Type Monorail Tracks

“…However, fully prestressed concrete beams can be turned into partially prestressed concrete beams under the effects of overloading or other extreme events. Moreover, cracks are not allowed in fully prestressed concrete beams under service loads, which is different from partially prestressed concrete beams.Model tests and in situ tests have been considered as effective approaches to investigate mechanical performances of structures [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. In this study, a full-scale fatigue test of a prestressed concrete beam was carried out.…”

“…Model tests and in situ tests have been considered as effective approaches to investigate mechanical performances of structures [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. In this study, a full-scale fatigue test of a prestressed concrete beam was carried out.…”