Evaluation of uplift forces acting on fastening systems at the bridge deck end considering nonlinear behaviors of the fastening systems

In this study, vertical loading tests were conducted to investigate the nonlinear behaviors of the fastening systems that have generally been used in the concrete track of domestic railway lines. Nonlinear load-displacement curve models were derived based on the test results. The uplift forces generated in the fastening systems were evaluated by applying the derived nonlinear models as well as the existing linear models. The influence of the factors on the maximum uplift force of the fastening system was analyzed through a parameter study on the distance between neighboring sleepers, the horizontal distance between the center of the bearing and the nearest fastening system from the deck end, and the height of the bridge girder. From the evaluation results it is known that, for economical track and bridge design, due to deck end deformation, it is necessary to consider the nonlinear behavior of the fastening system in the calculation of the uplift force of the fastening systems.