Influence of bridge-based designed TMD on running trains

A tuned mass damper (TMD) is a widely used vibration reduction measure in bridge engineering, whose design is based on the modal property of bridge structure. As a consequence, bridge vibrations in certain frequencies are reduced, while vibrations in some other frequencies may be amplified according to the design methodology of the TMD. This paper systematically investigates the influence of these amplified frequencies on the dynamic performance of running trains subject to earthquake loads. Primarily, the design methodology of bridge-based designed TMD (BBD-TMD) is introduced. On this basis, a detailed train–track–bridge coupled dynamic model with attached BBD-TMD is established based on the multi-body dynamics theory and the finite element method. Finally, aiming at a practical engineering problem in China, the influence of BBD-TMD on running trains subject to earthquake loads is investigated. The results indicate that, for the bridge structure adopted in this study, the amplified frequency bands are similar to the natural frequencies of the car body in the train system. To design TMDs for railway bridges, the dynamic performance of running trains caused by these external installations should be seriously considered.