Study of Pier Top Longitudinal Horizontal Rigidity on Rigid Frame Bridge Continuous Welded Rail

Abstract

The pier longitudinal horizontal stiffness is the key technical parameter of rigid frame bridge and the continuous welded rail. Both the distribution of longitudinal force and the relative displacement between the beam and rail are rely on the longitudinal horizontal stiffness of the pier. This passage takes the symmetrical arrangement of different span rigid frame bridge in ballast track as an example to study the value of pier top longitudinal horizontal rigidity, using the finite element method. The analysis show that when the amplitude of rail temperature variation is less than 50 °C and the nominal temperature span within a certain range, the minimum value of pier longitudinal horizontal rigidity depends largely on the braking conditions. However, as the further increasing of the span, the pier longitudinal horizontal rigidity is restricted by the expansion conditions. Therefore, the small resistance fastening system should be taken into consideration. Especially, if the temperature of rail reaches above 50°C, laying rail expansion adjuster is needed in order to satisfy the requirement of the continuous welded rail temperature on bridge.