Dynamic Interactions Between Vehicles and Elevated, Flexible Randomly Irregular Guideways

A dynamic interaction model is formulated for the heave-pitch motion of vehicles crossing elevated flexible, randomly irregular spans. Span dynamic motion due to a vehicle passage is modeled using a Bernoulli-Euler beam model and modal analysis techniques. Four types of random irregularities characteristic of elevated guideways are modeled numerically including vertical span offset, pier misalignment, camber, and surface roughness. Analytical expressions for each irregularity power spectral density are derived and the relative contributions of irregularities to vehicle excitation are examined. The limitations to vehicle passenger comfort levels posed by guideway deflection and irregularity are illustrated for personal and rapid transit types of vehicles.