Mapping relationship between dynamic responses of high-speed trains and additional bridge deformations

Deformations of high-speed railways accumulate over time and affect the geometry of the track, thus affecting the running safety of trains. This article proposes a new method to map the relationship between dynamic responses of high-speed trains and additional bridge deformations. A train–track–bridge coupled model is established to determine relationship between the dynamic responses (e.g. accelerations and wheel–rail forces) of the high-speed trains and the track deformations caused by bridge pier settlement, girder end rotation, and girder camber. The dynamic responses are correlated with the track deformation. The mapping relationship between bridge deformations and running safety of trains is determined. To satisfy the requirements of safety and riding comfort, the suggested upper thresholds of pier settlement, girder end rotation, and girder camber are 22.6 mm, 0.92‰ rad, and 17.2 mm, respectively. This study provides a method that is convenient for engineers in evaluation and maintenance of high-speed railway bridges.