The influence of vehicle dynamics on the time-dependent resonances of a bridge

In bridge structural health monitoring, the response of the bridge while the vehicle is on the bridge, is called a vehicle-bridge interaction (VBI) response. If the vehicle and the bridge are dynamically coupled, the VBI response depends on the bridge’s and the vehicle’s dynamic properties. Therefore, the damage detection techniques based on the bridge resonances become questionable due to the dynamic coupling between the bridge and the vehicle. This study investigates the influence of vehicle dynamics on the bridge’s time-dependent resonances. Vehicle-Induced Delta Frequency (VIDF) represents the changes in the bridge’s time-varying resonances resulting from the vehicle-bridge interaction, while Damage-Induced Delta Frequency (DIDF) accounts for the additional alterations caused by bridge damage. The dynamic interaction between vehicles and bridges (VBIs) is characterized by the frequency ratio between the vehicle (super-system) and the bridge (sub-system). The vehicle frequency is influenced by its dynamics, particularly the suspension systems. Two vehicle models, single suspension and dual suspension vehicles representing passenger trains and freight trains, respectively, are analyzed to assess the significance of vehicle dynamics on VIDF and DIDF. The results demonstrate that both vehicle models experience resonance, which magnifies the dynamic response to damage. However, not all types of vehicles possess the desired dynamic characteristics for effective bridge health monitoring. Trains with single suspension systems exhibit more pronounced changes in the bridge’s frequency response. This characteristic makes them more suitable for effective bridge health monitoring and damage detection.