Influence of Guardrails on Track–Bridge Interaction with a Longitudinal Resistance Test of the Fastener

Abstract

The guardrail is an indispensable part of ballasted track structures on bridges. In order to reveal its influence on the track–bridge interaction of continuous welded rail (CWR), the longitudinal resistance model of the guardrail fastener and its influential factors are established through tests. By taking a continuous girder bridge (CGB) for railways as an example, a stock rail-guardrail-sleeper-bridge-pier integrated simulation model is developed. The effects of the guardrails, installation torque of the guardrail fastener, and joint resistance of the guardrail under typical conditions are carefully examined. The research results indicate that the nominal longitudinal resistance of the guardrail fastener and the elastic longitudinal displacement of the rail prior to sliding approximately grow linearly with the growth of the installation torque. The presence of a guardrail can alleviate the track–bridge interaction in the range of the CGB, but exacerbate the interaction near the abutment with moveable bearings. This fact enables the abutment position to be considered as a new control point for the design of CWR on bridges. Considering the changing rules of the rail longitudinal force and rail gap, it is recommended that the installation torques of the guardrail fastener and guardrail joint are 40–60 N·m and 700–800 N·m, respectively. The recommended maximum longitudinal stiffness of piers for CGBs is evaluated. When the longitudinal stiffness of the pier for a CGB is lower than the recommended value, the influence of the guardrail can be neglected in the design of the CWR.