Track/bridge interaction - The aspect of bridge structure

Abstract

The paper presents basic principles of bridge structure behaviour from the aspect of track-bridge interaction in the case of temperature gradient, breaking and acceleration of railway vehicles. The paper analyses influence of different bridge structures to the bridge expansion length. In addition, influence of bridge superstructure, as well as bridge support stiffness was analysed. In the conclusion, there were presented basic observations of conducted analyses that could be applied for the calculation of different railway bridge structures. The aim of this paper is providing the basis for improvement of the existing technical regulations in the field of railway infrastructure, as well as its harmonisation with EU regulations.