Imagine a bridge that is strong enough for a car, but might shake too much when a heavy train speeds across it. This project creates a better rulebook to predict exactly how different trains affect bridges. It ensures that trains can run faster and more frequently without risking the bridge's structural health.
Current European railway bridge standards use outdated static checks and amplification factors that don't accurately reflect modern train dynamics. This leads to inefficient capacity use or potential safety risks in lifeline structures.
A rolling stock database, simplified models for 500+ bridges, and a harmonized method for assessing bridge-vehicle dynamic interaction.
If you are a rail manager dealing with outdated bridge safety limits—this project developed a harmonized method for assessing dynamic interaction that reduces unnecessary restrictions. This allows for higher network capacity and better resilience of lifeline structures.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with complex compatibility checks for new train models—this project developed a rolling stock database and identified critical parameters like car length and bogie spacing. This helps in designing vehicles that meet European standards more efficiently.
If you are a consultancy dealing with inconsistent Eurocode applications for bridge dynamics—this project developed simplified models for over 500 bridges. This provides a data-driven way to identify critical structures and update design recommendations.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not mentioned, but the project evaluates the economic impact of modifying normative criteria on the European railway bridge landscape.
The project has already created simplified models for over 500 bridges, indicating a high capacity for scaling across large networks.
Based on available project data, the primary output consists of recommendations for ERA and CEN to update public TSIs and Eurocodes rather than proprietary software licenses.
The project specifically targets updates to INF TSI, EN15228, EN1991-2, and EN1990-Annex A2.
The project runs from 2023-09-01 to 2026-08-31, with recommendations being fed into the CEN/TC250/SC1 special group.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward academic and research expertise (7 universities and 1 research center), representing 82% of the 11 partners. However, the inclusion of 2 industrial partners and a presence across 6 European countries ensures that the theoretical models are grounded in real-world railway operations and cross-border standards.
Contact Universidade do Porto regarding the Dynamic Train Categories (DTC) database.
Contact us to find out how these new Eurocode recommendations will impact your bridge maintenance costs.
