The code BS EN 1991-2:2003 ‘Traffic Loads on Bridges’ (BSI 2005) contains the design requirements for trackside and overhead structures that experience transient aerodynamic loading due to passing trains. However, the data within this code is more suitable for continental railways and not to the UK railway. This has lead to the undertaking of a series of tests, funded by RSSB, to investigate the transient aerodynamic pressures acting on a variety of near track structures due to passing trains, with an overall objective of reducing infrastructure costs.
The measurements were undertaken at the university-owned TRAIN Rig (www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/railway/research/train-rig.aspx), a moving model aerodynamic facility in Derby, by Dr Sarah Jordan (manager of the TRAIN Rig) and Mr Tim Gilbert (PhD student). 1/25th scale models of three train types (a streamlined Class 390 passenger train, an intermediate Class 158 passenger train and an unstreamlined Class 66 freight locomotive) were fired along the track at a nominal speed of 40m/s. Pressures were measured on footbridges positioned over the track of various widths and heights, platform canopies with two heights and a number of different back wall positions, platform and trackside hoardings of different heights and a trestle platform.
Class 390 train on the track underneath two footbridges.
Related information
The measurement and codification of aerodynamic forces due to passing trains on railway infrastructure (funded by (RSSB) (PDF 8MB)