• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.70 no.6
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• pp.723-735
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• 2019

Track-bridge interaction (TBI) problem often arises from the adoption of modern continuously welded rails. Rail expansion devices (REDs) are generally required to release the intensive interaction between long-span bridges and tracks. In their necessity evaluations, the key techniques are the numerical models and methods for obtaining TBI responses. This paper thus aims to propose a preferable model and the associated procedure for TBI analysis to facilitate the designs of long-span bridges as well as the track structures. A novel friction-spring model was first developed to represent the longitudinal resistance features of fasteners with or without vertical wheel loadings, based on resistance experiments for three types of rail fasteners. This model was then utilized in the loading-history-based TBI analysis for an urban rail transit dwarf tower cable-stayed bridge installed with a RED at the middle. The finite element model of the long-span bridge for TBI analysis was established and updated by the bridge's measured natural frequencies. The additional rail stresses calculated from the TBI model under train loadings were compared with the measured ones. Overall agreements were observed between the measured and the computed results, showing that the proposed TBI model and analysis procedure can be used in further study.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.1015-1035
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• 2015

A three-dimensional (3D) numerical analysis for the train-bridge interaction (TBI) system is actively developed in this study in order to investigate the vibration characteristics of rigid-frame reinforced concrete (RC) viaducts in both vertical and lateral directions respectively induced by running high-speed trains. An analytical model of the TBI system is established, in which the high-speed train is described by multi-DOFs vibration system and the rigid-frame RC viaduct is modeled with 3D beam elements. The simulated track irregularities are taken as system excitations. The numerical analytical algorithm is established based on the coupled vibration equations of the TBI system and verified through the detailed comparative study between the computation and testing. The vibration responses of the viaducts such as accelerations, displacements, reaction forces of pier bottoms as well as their amplitudes with train speeds are calculated in detail for both vertical and lateral directions, respectively. The frequency characteristics are further clarified through Fourier spectral analysis and 1/3 octave band spectral analysis. This study is intended to provide not only a simulation approach and evaluation tool for the train-induced vibrations upon the rigid-frame RC viaducts, but also instructive information on the vibration mitigation of the high-speed railway.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.501-516
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• 2023

Dynamic irregularity and acceleration of bridges subjected to high-speed trains provide crucial information for comprehensive evaluation of the health state of under-track structures. This paper proposes a novel approach for real-time estimation of vertical track dynamic irregularity and bridge acceleration using deep generative adversarial network (GAN) and vibration data from in-service train. The vehicle-body and bogie acceleration responses are correlated with the two target variables by modeling train-bridge interaction (TBI) through least squares generative adversarial network (LSGAN). To realize supervised learning required in the present task, the conventional LSGAN is modified by implementing new loss function and linear activation function. The proposed approach can offer pointwise and accurate estimates of track dynamic irregularity and bridge acceleration, allowing frequent inspection of high-speed railway (HSR) bridges in an economical way. Thanks to its applicability in scenarios of high noise level and critical resonance condition, the proposed approach has a promising prospect in engineering applications.