Train Derailment and Its Impact on Structures

This paper discusses the post-derailment behaviour of trains and their impact on structures. The results of investigations enable an evaluation of the zone endangered by derailed trains, as well as the velocities and directions of the impacting vehicles at the moment of impact. The nonlinear differential equations of motion are numerically solved in the time domain. Impact velocity and direction are initial conditions or the estimation of the relevant impact forces for the design of impacted structural members. The numerical treatment of train impact on structures is based on a series of lumped mass-spring models. The behaviour of the springs is described using highly nonlinear characteristics, including strain softening under large deformations in the post critical phase. Furthermore, fundamental considerations regarding the conception and design of structures which may be subjected to accidental train impact are presented.