Evaluation of 3D dynamic effects induced by high-speed trains on double-track slab bridges

Abstract: In addition to a static design, a dynamic analysis has to be performed for bridges for which the maximum permissible train speed exceeds 200 km/h. This analysis requires a lot of computing time, for this reason Svedholm and Andersson (2016) have developed a simple tool describing the relationship between the first eigenfrequency of the bridge, the span length and the minimum mass to fulfill the regulation specified in EN-1990. However, these diagrams are based on 2D beam models in which the 3D dynamic effects are not considered. An evaluation of the torsional modes has been performed by analyzing parametrized 3D bridge models, in order to obtain design diagrams including these effects. To do so, a frequency domain analysis has been implemented, based on a steadystate step previously performed in a FEM software. This approach provides a fast way to solve the equation of motion due to the Fourier transform properties, and allows applying several load configurations which are convenient for a parametric study. From this analysis it can be concluded that the thickness to fulfill the demands is larger for 3D models than for 2D. On one hand, contribution of torsional modes of vibration is more significant for the shortest span length, and on the other hand shear-lag effects lead to a reduction of the total resisting bending section.