Bridge Damage and Repair Detection Using an Instrumented Train

The static and dynamic effects of a railway bridge subjected to train loads have been investigated and analyzed to assess its condition. This paper investigates the potential of using repeated dynamic measurements taken on a passing train to determine the condition of a bridge. The results indicated that instrumented trains could be successfully used for ongoing monitoring of condition and, by implication, for identification of the need for repair or rehabilitation. This full-scale approach expands the potential for applications of bridge-vehicle dynamic interaction responses, along with their ability to be demonstrators of successful implementations of decisions on public infrastructure. The work also provided insights into the impact of a stiffer foundation at one pier and greater stiffness in two spans of a viaduct, for which experimental evidence is rarely available. The work also identified some of the challenges of such detection, such as accurate positioning and variability in the speeds of the passing trains.

Automated summary

This study explores the potential of using repeated dynamic measurements taken on a passing train to assess the condition of a railway bridge. The results suggest that instrumented trains can be used for ongoing monitoring of bridge condition and identification of repair or rehabilitation needs. Insights into rare experimental evidence situations and challenges such as accurate positioning and variability in train speeds were also provided by this research.