Abstract
For the steel bridges and structures in the magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) guideway systems, electrically insulated connections must be used to reduce the magnetic drag forces acting on the MAGLEV cars. The objectives of this paper are to investigate the behavior of the insulated friction type connections and to establish their design method. Basic performance tests of connections with various kinds of insulating materials such as epoxy glasslaminate, inorganic zinc paint including potassium titanate and insulating sheet are carried out to choose an adequate material. Using the butt-type connections insulated by the chosen material, zero-to-tension cyclic loading tests are also carried out to certify their fatigue strength.
