Structural safety evaluation of a subway bolster based on numerical simulation and experimental test

Abstract

The structural safety of a subway bolster is studied by fatigue strength testing and numerical simulation. A novel approach is proposed to determine the loading scheme in the fatigue test. This method identifies the loads accurately and allows for efficient yet economical fatigue test. Full-scale fatigue test of the bolster is carried out up to 1 × 107 load cycles under normal atmospheric conditions. The finite element model is validated based on the stresses measured by strain gauges. The fatigue life of the bolster is evaluated by Goodman diagram and nondestructive test since it is modeled as a series system of weak points. The results demonstrate that this bolster satisfies the structural safety requirement and its fatigue life is more than 1 × 107 load cycles with 90% reliability.