Abstract

Maglev transportation has emerged as a new option for long-distance travel between cities with the rapid development of transportation infrastructure. The fatigue issues of the maglev train–track–bridge coupling system, induced by increased train speeds, have garnered considerable attention. This study focuses on the continuous girder bridge of low-to-medium-speed maglev dedicated lines. A multi-vehicle coupling model and a refined vehicle–track–bridge system were constructed. These were based on the maglev equivalent stiffness-damping theory. Dynamic stress is solved using the modal superposition method. Fatigue performance under multiple working conditions is then evaluated. This evaluation uses the rainflow counting method and Miner’s linear damage theory. Dynamic stress is solved using the modal superposition method, and fatigue performance under multiple working conditions is evaluated based on the rainflow counting method and Miner’s linear damage theory. Key findings include the following: Dynamic stress peaks in the track structure reach 29.4 MPa at high-strength bolts and 20.1 MPa at bridge fasteners, significantly exceeding those in the bridge, identifying these as fatigue-sensitive zones. During a single train passage, the stress amplitudes are mainly concentrated in the low-stress amplitude range, yet annual accumulated damage at the critical node track tie and bridge fastener junction reaches 4.99 × 10−4. Increasing the train speed to 160 km/h amplifies total damage at the track tie and bridge fastener junction by 365%, with nonlinear growth in fastener damage. This research provides theoretical insights for optimizing speed-up strategies and maintenance protocols in low-to-medium-speed maglev systems.

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