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Abstract for presentation (Poster or Podium) with a Paper in the Conference Proceedings

Rail Transport

Dynamic Response of a Steel Truss-Type Railroad Bridge using Finite Element Model and Field Tests

Sunday, June 16, 2024
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM ET
Room: Galleria

    Primary Author(s)

  • Rahul Anand, B.S.

    M.S. Graduate Student
    University of Connecticut, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering
    Storrs, CT, United States

    • Presenter(s)

  • Rahul Anand, B.S.

    M.S. Graduate Student
    University of Connecticut, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering
    Storrs, CT, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • SD

    Santosh Dhakal, B.S.

    M.S. Graduate Student
    University of Connecticut, Dept. of Civil & Environ. Engineering
    Storrs, Connecticut, United States

  • Cd

    Celso de Oliveira, M.S.

    Ph.D. Graduate Student
    University of Connecticut, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering
    Storrs, Connecticut, United States

  • RM

    Ramesh B. Malla, Ph.D., F. ASCE, F. EMI, A.F. AIAA

    Professor
    University of Connecticut, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering
    Storrs, Connecticut, United States

    • Submitter(s)

  • RM

    Ramesh B. Malla, Ph.D., F. ASCE, F. EMI, A.F. AIAA

    University of Connecticut, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering
    Storrs, Connecticut, United States

Abstract:

Abstract:
Most railroad bridges in New England were designed and built more than a century ago with unique designs and have historic significance. The Cos Cob Bridge is one of the historic bridges of New England located in Greenwich, CT. This paper presents the comprehensive dynamic response of Span 3 out of a total of 11 spans, which measures 122.08 ft. The bridge is a steel truss bridge, and the members of the bridge are joined with gusset plates at its joints. The bridge operates mainly passenger trains, such as Metro-North M8, and Amtrack Regional. Due to the aging of the structure and its significant importance in regional transportation, it is important to understand the dynamic analysis and behavior of the bridge according to the current train loading. The study details the dynamic responses of the bridge obtained from the field tests and the Finite Element Model (FEM). Field test data were acquired to evaluate the bridge’s dynamic behavior under varying loading conditions using the Laser Dopler Vibrometer (LDV). These field test results were then compared to the FEM of the bridge, meticulously developed using ANSYS. By validating the finite element model against field test data, the accuracy and reliability of the FE modeling approach is established. The study not only provides insight into the current condition of the bridge but also serves as a foundation for ongoing structural health monitoring, allowing for the assessment of individual bridge members and their connections. The results and methodologies presented in this study have practical applications in bridge maintenance, safety assurance, and future infrastructure planning ensuring the sustainability of the bridge structures.

Keywords: Railroad Bridge, Dynamic Analysis, Natural Frequency, Dynamic Displacement, Finite Element Model, Structural Health Monitoring.

 

Acknowledgment: This project is partially funded by the Region 1 (New England) UTC-Transportation Infrastructure Durability Center under grant 69A3551847101 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s University Centers (UTC) Programs.

 

Learning Objectives:

Attendees can expect to learn the following from this session:
  • Conduct field testing to measure railroad bridge structural displacement, velocity and acceleration using Laser Doppler Vibrometer
  • Learn how to process field collected Laser Doppler Vibrometer data to determine frequencies and displacements of a railroad bridge.
  • Understand the method to simulate the moving vehicle load over a bridge in a finite element code and perform the dynamic analysis
  • Obtain frequencies of the bridge and the train axle loading from the field collected velocity, displacement, and acceleration data