Pier Linear Stiffness Optimization of Large-Span Simply-Supported Beam Bridge for Continually Welded Rail

In order to obtain the key factor of the overall design of a large-span high-pier long-league bridge, the reasonable value of pier longitudinal stiffness was discussed. Based on stress transfer mechanism of continually welded rail on bridge, a rail-beam-pier-foundation integration model was established. A parameterized optimization model was built, and a pier line stiffness optimizer was compiled by the means of ANSYS re-developing with APDL parameter design language. By combining with an actual project, the pier longitudinal stiffness limitation of a 64 m simply-supported beam bridge with continually welded rails was analyzed. The analysis results show that the rapid relative displacement between beam and rail and the additional stress of rail are key factors of the overall design of a large-span high-pier long-league bridge with continually welded rails, and the pier longitudinal stiffness limitation of the 64 m simply-supported beam bridge with continually welded rails ought to be greater than 750 kN/cm.