Applicability of small resistance fastener on long-span continuous bridges of high-speed railway

Ballastless tracks have been widely applied in high-speed railway (HSR). The adaptability research between continuous welded rails (CWR) and long-span bridges of HSR is of great practical engineering significance. Based on the HSR long-span continuous bridges, the integrative spatial finite element model of track-bridge-pier-foundation system was established with the nonlinear spring element simulating the longitudinal resistance between track and bridge. Comparative study on the various additional longitudinal forces of CWR using the common fasteners and small resistance fasteners was carried out. Analysis results indicate that the additional expansion forces and additional rail-breaking forces in long-span ballastless continuous girders can be reduced evidently by 40%-50% after adopting small resistance fasteners, but lead to greater rail broken gap. The small resistance fasteners have little influence on the additional force only caused by vertical load, but can reduce the additional force caused by vertical load combined with braking load by over 10%. Besides, transient analysis method is proved to be more accurate and safe in calculating additional longitudinal forces when the train running or braking on the bridge, compared with the traditional static method.