ABSTRACT
The paper investigates the excitation induced by heavy haul trains through weigh-in-motion big data collected on the Iron Ore Export Line in South Africa. It is shown that these trains are characterized by time-varying speed while crossing railway bridges. In addition, experimental train dominant frequencies are estimated and investigated. The research provides insights to evaluate the effects of train speed, train-set and wagon type on the loading spectra. In addition, the paper discusses how the rail operating conditions might be regulated in order to preserve the railway bridge structural integrity.
