Experimental and numerical investigations of the dynamic responses of an asymmetrical arch railway bridge

Abstract

The dynamic responses of an asymmetrical arch railway bridge subjected to moving trains are experimentally and numerically investigated in this study. The strains, displacements and accelerations at critical sections of the bridge were measured at different speeds of trains. A three-dimensional finite element model of the bridge–vehicle coupling system was established to understand the measured dynamic responses and was validated against the experimental results. The numerical model was used to analyze the influence of asymmetry on the dynamic responses of the bridge and the safety and ride comfort of trains. The results indicate that the dynamic responses of the bridge increase with the train speed. Braking of the train has the largest impact on the vertical dynamic displacement of the bridge. The maximum dynamic strain is in the arch rib. The longer half arch demonstrated much larger counterforce and dynamic responses than those of the shorter half arch, while the symmetrical structures tend to exhibit good symmetry. The asymmetrical arrangement of the bridge reduces the structural stiffness.