Design requirements for rail-bridges based on interaction phenomena between train, track and bridge

Summary

The procedures for verifying the strength of railway bridges are covered by detailed and comprehensive rules of calculation already in existence. In contrast, serviceability limit states, notably deformation ELS, are described only in network calculation rules or in UIC leaflets.

In essence, bridges are deformable structures. These deformations must be controlled all the more accurately as trains travel at high, and very high speeds. The purpose of this leaflet is to specify the design requirements for rail-bridges as regards train/track/bridge interaction phenomena and in particular speed, thereby taking into account bridge resonance phenomena. It outlines the corresponding draft criteria and provides information on the phenomena to be controlled as well as the appropriate procedures for verifying the structures.

This leaflet should be used in conjunction with UIC Leaflet 776-1 .