Applying precast slab panel track to replace timber track in an existing steel plate girder railway bridge

Timber track steel girder railway bridges in service for many decades have been damaged and deteriorated despite the regular scheduled maintenance owing to their structural characteristics, calling for alternatives to improve the structural safety and serviceability. In this study, the authors aim to develop precast slab panel (PSP) tracks to enhance the long-term workability and durability of existing bridges in service so as to improve the performance of conventional lines. Two full-scale specimens with a timber track and a PSP track were fabricated to evaluate the effects of the application of the PSP track, and static and dynamic tests were conducted. Also, a time-history analysis and a three-dimensional finite-element method analysis were performed to consider the train speed and the effect of multiple loads of train. From the results, the static and dynamic responses of the PSP track girder were significantly reduced, compared with the timber track girder.