Time-varying solar radiation-induced non-uniform temperature distribution of steel-concrete composite box girder-ballastless track system

Aiming to investigate the non-uniform temperature distribution of the steel-concrete composite box girder-ballastless track system induced by the time-varying solar radiation, the ray-tracing algorithm was used to calculate the environmental parameters. The segment finite element model (SFEM) for spatial interaction between the bridge and the ballastless track was used to perform several numerical simulations. The temperature variation induced by solar radiation was evaluated based on the numerical simulations. The results showed that the peak temperature of the system (on the western side of the steel web) was 49.59 oC (at 16:00). Regarding time-varying solar temperature distribution of the steel-concrete composite box girder-ballastless track system, a difference was found between the western and eastern sides of the steel webs. Finally, the vertical temperature gradient model of the steel-concrete composite box girder-ballastless track system was established according to the most unfavorable temperature. The results provided a reference for constructing and maintaining a steel-concrete composite box girder equipped with the ballastless track.