Vibration of reinforced concrete viaducts under high-speed train passage: measurement and prediction including train-viaduct interaction

This study investigates the dynamic interactions between high-speed trains and reinforced concrete viaducts using field measurements and numerical simulations. The dynamic responses of a 40 year old viaduct under high-speed train passage are measured. Using general finite-element method software, a new numerical vibration prediction scheme for a train-bridge system is developed. Following the Newmark scheme, a decoupling algorithm is derived through the contact force between a train and viaduct. Track irregularity is also taken into account. The proposed numerical scheme is verified through a comparison between calculated responses and in situ measured responses. This approach is expected to provide not only an accurate simulation tool for train-induced vibration, but also instructive information for the retrofit of railway structures, especially at higher speeds.