Influence of Deep Foundations in a Deck Slab High-Speed Railway Bridge: A Theoretical Study

Abstract

In this research we discuss the importance of properly modeling the infrastructure of high-speed railway bridges with deep foundations when using the finite element method (FEM). To do so, we compared an isolated deck and several complete models with different characteristics. Parameters such as the length of the piles, the stiffness of the supporting layers and the type of dynamic load (10 different trains) were explored. This study started with the analysis of various parameters that determine the behavior of deep foundations with piles in simplified models. Based on these findings, we built a complete model. This research shows the importance of including not only the surrounding terrain but also the main substructure (i.e., piers and abutments) in the model. Recommendations on the amount of soil to include, its mechanical properties and the length of the piles needed are also provided to ensure the reliability of results when considering the soil-structure dynamic interaction. With this research, we intend to contribute to current knowledge with a series of guidelines and tools to help structural engineers in dynamic simulations through a theoretical case study.