Train-Track-Bridge coupling vibration and train running safety under vessel impact

Abstract

Accidental vessel collisions pose a threat to the safety of train operations on navigable bridges. The CRH2 high-speed train, operating on a four-span continuous girder bridge, is selected as a research prototype to study the effects of vessel impact loads on the responses of the train-track-bridge (TTB) system and train running safety. The TTB model subjected to vessel collision is developed using the finite element software ANSYS and the multi-body system software SIMPACK. The influences of load intensity and train speed on the critical indicators of train running safety are discussed. Safety thresholds based on train running speed are proposed through comprehensive parametric analysis. The results indicate that the impact load has a significant effect on the dynamic responses of both bridge and track structures. The interaction between piles and soil (PSI) has a significant impact on the dynamic responses of the TTB system. The track structure undergoes significant overall deformation under the vessel impact load. The train running safety indices ascend with the increase in impact load intensity and train speed. As the impact load intensity increases from 0 to 24.25 MN, the speed limit for ensuring train running safety decreases from 350 km/h to 250 km/h.