Dynamic Analysis of Multispan Viaducts with Weak Coupling between Adjacent Spans

This paper deals with the dynamic analysis of multispan simply supported railway viaducts subjected to moving trains. In the analysis, the Sesia viaduct is considered, which is a composite railway bridge consisting of seven isostatic spans. An experimental analysis shows that the modes of adjacent spans are connected because of the weak coupling through the ballast and rails. In this case, a model of the entire viaduct is needed for an accurate prediction of the dynamic response of the bridge during the passage of the train. To reduce the computational cost, two alternatives are investigated: a single-span model with adjusted boundary conditions and a component mode synthesis (CMS) reduced-order model comprising all seven spans. The two models are subsequently used for dynamic train-bridge interaction analysis. The predicted dynamic responses of the viaduct during a train passage with both models are in good agreement with the experimental results. Compared with the single-span model, the coupling between adjacent spans is better represented by the CMS model of the entire viaduct. In practical engineering design, however, the single-span model with adjusted boundary conditions can be used to obtain a reasonably good representation of the dynamic behavior of the bridge.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000476
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/32947845
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Copyright © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Authors:
  • Liu, Kai
  • Lombaert, Geert
  • De Roeck, Guido
• Publication Date: 2014-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: References;
• Pagination: pp 83-90
• Serial:
  • Journal of Bridge Engineering
  • Volume: 19
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1084-0702
  • Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/beo

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Boundary element method; Composite materials; Design engineering; Dynamic structural analysis; Live loads; Mathematical models; Railroad bridges; Train track dynamics; Viaducts
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Railroads; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01504588
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Jan 24 2014 2:30PM