The influence of torsional resistance of the deck on the dynamic response of a high-speed railway bridge : Case study: Ulla River Viaduct

Abstract: Understanding how different parameters affect the dynamic response of high-speed railway bridges is crucial to selecting an efficient structural form. Despite existing numerous publications within this field, only few address the importance of torsional deformations. The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the influence of the torsional resistance of the deck on the dynamic response of an existing bridge. Ulla River Viaduct is presented as a case study, allowing to analyse some aspects of its design and what their alteration entails. To this end, 6 different 3D FE models are compared, 5 of which show a modification from the original configuration. In addition, several positions of the train are considered to contrast the effects when the torsional modes are excited. The performed dynamic calculations are based on the implicit direct integration procedure. The analysis of the case study demonstrates the benefit of closing the torsional circuit of the deck. The results also evidence the need of including torsional effects in its dynamic assessment when low values of torsional rigidity are considered. All this is not easy when simplified 2D or 3D beam models are used. As a final remark, the original design of the Ulla River Viaduct is found highly efficient from a dynamical point of view.