Soil Structure Interaction of High-Speed Trains Over Soil Metal Bridges

Abstract

This thesis investigates the response of Soil Metal Bridges (SMBs) to dynamic train loads, emphasizing the impact of high-speed trains on SMB performance and exploring potential enhancements through Honeycomb geocell reinforcement. Using a three-dimensional finite element methodology and plaxis3D software, the study analyzes crown deformations, maximum bending moments, and thrust forces across 15 models with varying train speeds (100 to 300 km/h) and soil cover depths (2, 3, and 4 meters). Findings highlight the critical influence of soil cover depth on SMBs performance under dynamic train loads, particularly in shallower cover depths. The study emphasizes the importance of carefully evaluating soil cover depth for ensuring secure and dependable functionality in high-speed rail systems.