Railroad Thru Girder Bridges?
Railroad Thru Girder Bridges?
(OP)
Does anyone know why the top corner of railroad thru girder bridges are usually rounded? I have two theories but I don't know for sure.
Thanks
Thanks
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Railroad Thru Girder Bridges?
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RE: Railroad Thru Girder Bridges?
This is what I have been told, and it does make sense, but it may not be the full story or the "historical" reason:
The end of the thru girder is generally curved and the top flange is continued all the way down to the bottom flange in order to protect the web in the bearing region (very critical area for structural stability and strength of the bridge). With the flange plate extending vertically at the end, it offers its width and ductility for objects that may hit the girder either falling of a train or extending from a train (overhanging). In addition, the curved portion helps deflect objects up and over the girder to minimize damage (similar to a highway guard rail). Obviously, if a train derails right at the beginning of the bridge, in all likelihood there is little that can be done to protect the girder. However, for objects projecting from or falling off of a passing train, the curved end makes sense.
The flange also acts as a bearing stiffener at that location.
~dison
RE: Railroad Thru Girder Bridges?
My question then becomes, why isn't it done on all railroad thru girders? Some, not most, I have seen have the top corner square.
RE: Railroad Thru Girder Bridges?
cage