Experimental and numerical modal analysis of a concrete high speed train railway bridge

Train induced vibrations are a major environmental concern both in Europe and China. Besides the effect of vibrations due to passenger and freight trains and subways at relatively low speed, the study of the vibrational impact of high speed trains is of high interest. In Belgium, for example, new high speed train lines connect Brussels with Paris and London, while extensions to Amsterdam and Cologne are presently under construction. In China, this problem will become equally important in the near future, as a high speed train connection is planned between Beijing and Shanghai. The partners in this research project are involved in the development of numerical models to predict traffic induced vibrations. The development, validation and practical use of these models rely on in situ vibration measurements. A preliminary measurement campaign was undertaken on a high speed train bridge, with sensors on the bridge as well as on the rails, to be able to get more insight in force transfer from train to construction.