A 2D TBI model to study lateral dynamics in ship impact event

This paper presents a simplified 2D train-bridge dynamic interaction simula-tion tool to model the scenario of a ship collision against one of the piers of a bridge located on an oversea connection. Being rolling and lateral motion of each carbody of a train predom-inant in train motion following a ship collision event during train transit, only these two com-ponents of vehicle dynamics are considered. The bridge structure is modelled by means of a modal approach, ship impact is represented through a time dependent force, taken from lit-erature. The proposed simplified model enables a fast check, thanks to a time-efficient simula-tion, during early bridge design phase, in terms of lateral carbody acceleration, so as to get an early representation of the influence of ship collision events on train lateral dynamics. In fact, the proposed model allows the user to test and investigate a large variety of scenarios, in terms of train and structure properties as well as loading features, in a fast and efficient way, without loss of relevant information. Moreover, this approach would enhance structure and train dynamic interaction understanding, highlighting the role played by train lateral dynam-ics and its interaction with bridge dynamics, in critical scenarios.