Possible scope of filler beam bridges on the Russian Railways

Abstract

One of the most stable trends is the use of multi-component solutions in the practice of bridge construction, one of which is the use of rigid reinforcement elements in bridge girders and decks. The purpose of this work is to assess the possibility of using filler bridge girders on the Russian railway network and determine the scope of their effective application. In the course of the study, the analysis of design solutions was carried out taking into account foreign experience in design and operation and the study of relevant regulatory documents. Also in the course of the work, a comparison of the cost indicators of rigid-reinforced girders and the existing standard projects of the reinforced concrete and steel simple beam bridges was performed. The results of the study are presented by the formed list of the main advantages and disadvantages of girders with rigid reinforcement and the definition of the area of their most effective application. The practical significance of the work is because steel-concrete girders with rigid reinforcement are the most effective solution for the short span bridges up to 15 meters length from both technical, operational and economic sides. The proposed solution allows reducing the resource intensity of the construction and labor costs for its construction and maintenance.