Numerical analysis of a reinforced concrete railway bridge considering soil-structure interaction

Resumo

The integrity and performance of bridges are crucial for railway infrastructure. Consequently,
evaluating their condition and dynamic response remains a top priority for infrastructure operators. This paper
delves into the study of dynamic structural responses of bridges in the presence of railway-type trains. We focus
on the soil-structure interaction process, considering local soil characteristics and foundation types. A six-span
reinforced concrete bridge served as our case study. We developed a computational finite element model
employing finite shell elements, augmented with calibrated springs to represent the foundations, temporary steel
supports, and neoprene bearing supports. The study sheds light on the natural frequencies of vibration,
accelerations, and velocities within the railway bridge components. These results were juxtaposed with
monitoring data to gauge the bridge's structural response to dynamic loads. The numerical findings closely
aligned with the monitoring data, reinforcing the validity of our modeling approach. This model stands as a
robust tool to appraise structural conditions and predict bridge behavior throughout its lifespan. Furthermore, it
has potential applications in forecasting failures, bolstering monitoring efforts, guiding inspection campaigns,
and even merging into a digital twin framework for comprehensive bridge integrity management.