Influence of train composition on crack propagation at structural components of welded railway bridges

Dorina Siebert, Christina Radlbeck, Martin Mensinger

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The application of fracture mechanics allows a detailed assessment of structural details of existing railway bridges. By using crack propagation calculations, the residual service life and respective safe inspection intervals can be determined. For this purpose, cyclic loading due to train passings is needed as an input parameter. Furthermore, an initial crack length and material parameters need to be assumed. In this paper, the focus lies on the loadings generated by each passing train. The influence of single trains as well as the composition of trains and their order on crack propagation is investigated. Train models in the Eurocode [1] are considered and the effects are analysed in the frame of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Combined with the span length, the influence of service trains is varying and an impact of train composition is present. Sequence effects are if at all only slightly visible and therefore may be neglected within the considered calculations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIABSE Congress, New Delhi 2023
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering for Sustainable Development, Report
PublisherInternational Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
Pages227-235
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781713883128
StatePublished - 2023
Event23rd IABSE Congress New Delhi 2023: Engineering for Sustainable Development - New Delhi, India
Duration: 20 Sep 202322 Sep 2023

Publication series

NameIABSE Congress, New Delhi 2023: Engineering for Sustainable Development, Report

Conference

Conference23rd IABSE Congress New Delhi 2023: Engineering for Sustainable Development
Country/TerritoryIndia
CityNew Delhi
Period20/09/2322/09/23

Keywords

  • Paris' law
  • assessment of existing bridges
  • crack propagation calculations
  • linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM)
  • load sequence effects
  • train composition
  • welded railway bridges

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