Effect of bridge lateral deformation on track geometry of high-speed railway

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical model to analyze the mapping relationship between bridge lateral deformation and track geometry of high-speed railway. Based on the rail deformation mechanisms, the deformation of track slab and rail at the locations of fasteners are analyzed. Formulae of rail lateral deformation are derived and validated against a finite element model. Based on the analytical model, a rail deformation extension coefficient is presented, and effects of different lateral deformations on track geometry are evaluated. Parametric studies are conducted to evaluate the effects of the deformation amplitude, fastener stiffness and mortar layer stiffness on the rail deformation. The rail deformation increases with the deformation of the girder, and is dependent on the spacing of the fasteners, the elastic modulus of the rail's material, and the moment of inertia of the rail's section.