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Abstract-RSI Analysis-BR04

This document discusses modeling the rail-structure interaction (RSI) of a 242m curved multi-span bridge with continuous welded rail and no rail joints. RSI analysis models how the track and bridge interact and influence each other's behavior. The bridge's expandable deck allows for relative movement between the track bed and continuous welded rail as the deck expands and contracts. This interaction is particularly important to model for direct fixation rail systems. The article will describe how RSI analysis was performed on the Montreal Flyover bridge in Ottawa using CSiBridge software in accordance with international standards.

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Ashton Martyn
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60 views

Abstract-RSI Analysis-BR04

This document discusses modeling the rail-structure interaction (RSI) of a 242m curved multi-span bridge with continuous welded rail and no rail joints. RSI analysis models how the track and bridge interact and influence each other's behavior. The bridge's expandable deck allows for relative movement between the track bed and continuous welded rail as the deck expands and contracts. This interaction is particularly important to model for direct fixation rail systems. The article will describe how RSI analysis was performed on the Montreal Flyover bridge in Ottawa using CSiBridge software in accordance with international standards.

Uploaded by

Ashton Martyn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Modeling and analysis of the Rail-Structure-Interaction of a 242m curved multi-span bridge

with Continuous Welded Rail with no rail joints (by Pierre-Luabeya Mukendi)

There is a general need in rail bridge engineering to accurately model the interaction between
track and bridge to ensure rail stresses remain within acceptable limits once in service. This
specific analysis is called Rail-Structure-Interaction analysis (RSI). RSI is the interaction between
a track and a bridge where the behavior of one influences the behaviour of the other, a
consequence of both the track and bridge being interlinked. The use of an expandable bridge
deck capable of moving relative to the continuous-welded-rail (CWR) track introduces relative
movements between the track bed and the track as the bridge deck expands and contracts. This
interaction becomes particularly important to model and behaviour to analysis for direct fixation
rail, a track system fixed directly atop a bridge deck utilising multi-linear friction fasteners
without any rail ballast. The relative movements of both rail and bridge cause forces to be
applied to each in addition to forces induced by traffic loads. A principle factor contributing to
relative movements includes the temperature differential between the rail and deck. Additional
factors include braking, acceleration of the traffic loads.

The following article will describe step-by-step how RSI analysis was performed with CSiBridge
software in accordance with the International Union of Railways UIC774-3, Eurocode and the
latest North American studies for CWR track. The automated modeling techniques, results and
graphical capabilities of the software are described for each step in modeling including the
interpretation of the results.

The article covers the RSI modeling and analysis completed for the recently constructed
Montreal Flyover, in Ottawa (ON). The flyover structure is a seven-span continuous slab-on-
girder bridge carrying a westbound track and an eastbound track for the light rail transit
Confederation Line extension project. The bridge has a curved horizontal alignment with a
radius measuring 252m and constant deck width measuring 8.2m. The bridge includes direct
fixation of continuous welded rails (CWR) along the full length of the structure measuring 242m
from centerline-to-centerline of abutments.

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