Dynamic effect of high-speed trains on simple bridge structures

In this paper the overall dynamic response of simple railway bridges subjected to high-speed trains is investigated numerically based on the mechanical models of simply supported single-span and continuous two-span Bernoulli-Euler beams. Each axle of the train, which is composed of rail cars and passenger cars, is considered as moving concentrated load. Distance, magnitude, and maximum speed of the moving loads are adjusted to real high-speed trains and to load models according to Eurocode 1. Nondimensional characteristic parameters of the train-bridge interaction system are identified. These parameters permit a spectral representation of the dynamic peak response. Response spectra assist the practicing engineers in evaluating the expected dynamic peak response in the design process of railway bridges without performing time-consuming time history analyses.