Effect of Train Dynamics on Seismic Performance of Steel Monorail Bridges Under External Ground Motions

This paper studies nonlinear dynamic response of monorail bridges incorporating train-bridge interaction under extreme ground motions. This is achieved by means of dynamic elastoplastic seismic response analysis of spatial steel framed bridges. Effects of a train's dynamic system on seismic performance of monorail bridges are also studied. Two types of monorail bridges are examined: a conventional type with steel track-girder and an advanced type with composite track-girder and simplified lateral bracing system. During a strong seismic event, a monorail train is assumed to be standing on the track-girder of the monorail bridge. It is noted that considering monorail trains as additional mass in numerical modeling may overestimate live load effects on seismic performance of monorail bridges.