Dynamic Response of Spatial Train-Track-Bridge Interaction System Due to Unsupported Track Using Virtual Work Principle

Abstract

An improved spatial vehicle–track–bridge interaction system considering the unsupported track is proposed using the virtual work principle. When the track fails to be supported due to the defects under the track, the corresponding bridge–rail connection coupled matrix should be removed. Using the proposed dynamic model, a novel numerical analysis of the unilateral and bilateral unsupported sleepers in the bridge and the subgrade is carried out. The results indicate that the wheel–rail contact force changes dramatically when the vehicles pass through the unsupported track. The unsupported track has a little effect on the displacement of the bridge, but it increases the acceleration of the bridge. The displacement and acceleration of the track increase significantly with the expansion of the supported defects under the track and the increase of driving speed. For unilateral unsupported sleepers, the dynamic response on the unsupported side is slightly smaller than that of the bilateral unsupported sleeper, while the unsupported side has a limited effect on the other side of the normal support.