Full-Scale Dynamic Testing of a Railway Bridge Using a Hydraulic Exciter

Abstract

This paper presents a full-scale dynamic testing on a simply supported railway bridge with integrated end-shields, by using a hydraulic exciter. Experimental frequency response functions are determined based on load controlled frequency sweeps. Apart from accurate estimates of natural frequencies, damping and mode shapes, the experimental testing also gives valuable information about the dynamic characteristics at resonance and amplitude dependent nonlinearities. Numerical models are used to simulate the dynamic response from passing trains which is compared to experimental testing of similar train passages. The results show that the bridge deck is partially constrained due to the interaction between the end-shields and the wing walls with the surrounding soil. Measurements at the supports also show that the flexibility of the foundation needs to be accounted for. An updated numerical model is able to accurately predict the response from passing trains. The response is lower than that predicted from the initial simulations and the bridge will fulfil the design requirements regarding vertical deck acceleration.