A new accelerated-replacement method and full-scale test of a new superstructure for existing OSPG railway bridges

Existing open-steel-plate-girder (OSPG) railway bridges in Korea are so old that they can no longer provide the desired ride quality when trains pass over them due to loss of integrity. In addition, existing bridges do not have ballast, thus impacts from passing trains are delivered directly to piers and abutments. The damage that accumulated is one of the main causes of cracks in pier concrete. To cure this problem, replacement of the existing bridges is required. However, since they are still in service, conventional construction methods cannot be used for their replacement. A new method is necessary to quickly replace the existing bridges in a way that does not disturb the existing train schedule. In this study, a new accelerated-replacement method is proposed using a newly developed crane-vehicle which possesses cranes able to lift a replacement bridge, and which is able to travel on existing train tracks. This study also addresses the design and manufacture of a new bridge deck appropriate for accelerated-replacement construction. Finite element analyses and experimental tests were conducted to estimate the performance of the new bridge deck. The analyses included a static load case and dynamic analysis at various train speeds. The experimental tests included static loading and modal tests to capture the fundamental natural frequency and damping ratio of the bridge deck, and a dynamic amplification test. The results of this study can be used for practical replacement of aged existing open-steel-plate-girder bridges and to improve the integrity and ride quality of railway bridges in Korea.