Sensitive factors research for track-bridge interaction of Long-span X-style steel-box arch bridge on high-speed railway

Abstract

X-style arch bridge on high-speed railways (HSR) is one kind of complicated long-span structure, and the track-bridge interaction is essential to ensure the safety and smoothness of HSR. Taking an X-style steel-box arch bridge with a main span of 450 m on HSR under construction for example, a new integrative mechanic model of rail-stringer-cross beam-suspender-pier-foundation coupling system was established, adopting the nonlinear spring element simulating the longitudinal resistance between track and bridge. The transmission law of continuous welded rail (CWR) on the X-style arch bridge was researched, and comparative study was carried out to discuss the influence of several sensitive factors, such as the temperature load case, the longitudinal resistance model, the scheme of longitudinal restraint conditions, the introverted inclination of arch rib, the stiffness of pier and abutment and the location of the rail expansion device. Calculating results indicate that the longitudinal resistance has a significant impact upon the longitudinal forces of CWR on this kind of bridge, while the arch rib’s inclination has little effect. Besides, temperature variation of arch ribs and suspenders should be taken into account in the calculation. Selecting the restraint system without longitudinally-fixed bearing and setting the rail expansion devices on both ends are more reasonable.