Effects on Mechanical Properties of Track Structure and Running Safety Caused by Uneven Settlement of Bridge Piers

A static and a dynamic analysis model are separately established using ABAQUS finite element program to study the mechanical properties of track structure and running stability and safety of the vehicle under the condition that uneven settlement of bridge piers exists. The static model is aimed at studying the effects caused by uneven settlement alone and the dynamic one is for the effects induced by uneven settlement and train loads together. Conclusions are drawn as follows: 1) The influence range of uneven settlement on fastenings is 10 groups of fastenings on both sides of the beam joint. Among them the influence on the first group of fastenings is the largest. 2) The influence area of uneven settlement on rail stress is within the range of 15 m on both sides of the beam joint. The bigger uneven settlement is, the larger rail stress will be. 3) Uneven settlement of bridge piers has certain effects on running stability and safety, but every evaluating indicator is within the specification limits, showing that the operation has good emergency capacity. 4) The influence induced by uneven settlement is much greater on the mechanical characteristics of rail and fastenings than on running stability and safety, making it clear that the factor that determines the limit of uneven settlement of bridge piers is fastening force and rail stress, not the running stability and safety. Copyright © 2014 IFSA Publishing, S. L.