Finite element analysis of train speed effect on dynamic response of steel bridge

Abstract

The development of materials engineering has facilitated the design of slender, light bridges replacing standard construction materials with others, which fulfil their purpose both in terms of structural behaviour and safety. This article focuses on the presentation of the problems related to the modelling of bridges and their loads modelling train passages, as well as an analysis of the influence of load parameters on the dynamic response of a structure. The problem has become essential with the development of materials engineering which enabled the design of slender and light bridges according to the assumptions of sustainable development. The article contains a number of numerical analyses which allowed the verification of the developed finite element bridge model (frame and plate-frame types) in terms of the possibility of using them at the design stage. The load was modelled as a system of concentrated forces, the so-called moving load (ML) model. The results obtained from theoretical analyses were compared with in situ measurements of the existing bridge subjected to the load variable in time (set of locomotives ST43 and ST45 and locomotive EP09). It has been found that in dynamic analysis, modelling of the load is essential. A simplified load model such as ML can be used when displacement values are the only results analysed in detail. ML and finite element plate and frame models give high accordance of the displacement results.

Behavior of a steel structure railway bridge under dynamic loadings

“…There are many factors affecting the railway bridge structure under dynamic loads. It was considered difficult to analyze these parameters in analytical calculation [23], [24]. Wind load also contributes a very critical parameter of dynamic analyses.…”