Influence of the ballasted track on the dynamic behaviour of steel railway bridges

The calculated dynamic behaviour of railway bridges during high-speed traffic differs from the actual its bearing structure. In case steel bridges, calculations often overestimate vibration responses and therefore lead to uneconomical results. This gap between calculation measurement constitutes a complex research issue, whereas consideration ballasted track in has major influence. Concerning damping stiffness properties there is wide range various mechanical models. However, no generally applicable track-structure model for which reflects reality satisfactory way. their effort close develop accurate models that take into account track, researchers at TU Wien have developed large-scale test facility allows specific track. paper describes operating principle provides insight effects observed it, particular with regard vibrations behaviour.