Track-bridge longitudinal interaction of continuous welded rails on arch bridge

Abstract

Taking arch bridges, including deck, half-through, and through arch bridges (short for DAB, HTAB, and TAB) as examples, mechanics analysis models of longitudinal interaction between continuously welded rails (short for CWRs) and arch bridges are established. Based on the finite element method (FEM), the longitudinal interaction calculation software of CWR on arch bridges has been developed. Focusing on an HTAB, the tension, compression, and deflection conditions are calculated and analyzed. The results show that the mechanics analysis models of three types of arch bridges can truly reflect the real state of the structure; the calculation software can be used for systematic research of the CWR on arch bridge; as for HTAB, temperature difference of arch rib has a small effect on rail tension/compression, and arch bridge can be simplified as a continuous beam for rail tension/compression additional force calculation; in calculation of deflection conditions of HTAB, it is suggested that train loads are arranged on half span and full span and take the direction of load entering bridge into account. Additionally, the deflection additional force variation of CFST basket handle arch bridge is different from that of ordinary bridge. © 2013 Rong Chen et al.