HIGH SPEED INFRASTRUCTURE: BRIDGES

The author outlines the reasons why viaducts and bridges have become longer as rail speeds have increased and cites the example of Italy. Even in flat areas many new lines will be on viaducts mainly to reduce landtake and avoid other infrastructure. A wide range of design options are available to bridge designers who have to take into account aesthetic considerations, maintenance aspects and quality control in addition to construction costs. It is suggested that future developments in railway bridges will follow the same pattern as technology used for road bridges. A trend towards specialised replaceable structural components is described and examples given including the removal of cables from cable-stayed bridges and devices designed to yield during earthquakes. The use of continuous monitoring, artificial embankments and integration with non-structural elements such as noise barriers are discussed. This paper was presented at the EURAILSPEED 92 conference held in Brussels, April 27-29, 1992. For the covering abstract see IRRD 853180.

• Corporate Authors:

  International Railway Congress Association

  17-21 rue de Louvrain
  1000 Brussels,   Belgium 
• Authors:
  • Petrangeli, M P
• Publication Date: 1992

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 156-61
• Serial:
  • RAIL INTERNATIONAL
  • Issue Number: 6-7

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Design; Railroad tracks
• ITRD Terms: 3455: Bridge; 9011: Design (overall design)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00631620
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jul 1 1993 12:00AM