Ultimate and fatigue limit states of existing steel railway bridges – LRFD with historical steel products and connection types

The assessment of the load-bearing capacity and fatigue strength existing railway bridges has been playing an increasingly important role in infrastructure management operators for several years now. Currently, many bridge structures have operation longer than it was foreseen during their planning construction. In addition, axle loads on lines, as well demands reliability verification results, steadily increased. As material properties construction techniques differ to some extent from nowadays structures, e.g., riveting instead welding, is provide engineers with recommendations steel bridges. This article summarises studies conducted part a research project initiated by Deutsche Bahn Netz AG possible updates DB RiL 805, which used (DB) network. concerned transition concepts against static past limit state verifications partial safety factors accordance Eurocodes. While initially related upgrade specific operator's design recommendation, findings this are more general nature could form basis similar developments existing, riveted independently throughout Europe.