Method for Estimating Bending Stiffness of Concrete Girders during Train Passage Considering Effects of Concrete Cracks and Non-structural Members

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study to investigate a method for estimating the stiffness of concrete girders when calculating the dynamic factor and deflection. Based on a fatigue test of concrete members, we proposed an estimation formula which takes into account the reduction in bending stiffness due to crack propagation under cyclic loading. In addition, we quantified the stiffness contribution of each type of non-structural member by means of finite element analysis for various girder structures. Finally, we propose a simple method for estimating the equivalent bending stiffness of girders considering reduction in stiffness due to bending cracks after repetitive loading and the stiffness contribution of non-structural members.