Fast simulation of railway bridge dynamics accounting for soil–structure interaction

Abstract A novel numerical methodology is presented to solve the dynamic response of railway bridges under passage running trains, considering soil–structure interaction. It advantageous compared alternative approaches because it permits, (i) consideration complex geometries for bridge and foundations, (ii) simulation stratified soils, and, (iii) solving train-bridge problem at minimal computational cost. The approach uses sub-structuring split into two coupled interaction problems: soil–foundation, soil–foundation–bridge systems. In former, foundation surrounding soil are discretized with Finite Elements (FE), padded Perfectly Match Layers avoid boundary reflections. Considering this domain, equivalent frequency dependent stiffness damping characteristics soil–foundation system computed. For second sub-system, structure traffic computed using a FE model spring dashpot elements support locations, which have properties determined first sub-system. This solved modal superposition, corresponding each natural frequency. proposed then validated both experimental measurements an Element–Boundary Element (FE–BE) methodology. strong match found results discussed.