An integrated coupling element for vehicle-rail-bridge interaction system with a non-uniform continuous bridge

An integrated coupling element considering wheel-rail interface for analyzing the dynamic responses of vehicle-rail-bridge interaction system with a non-uniform continuous bridge is presented. The governing equations of the interaction system are established first, and the solution procedure and assembly method of the coupling element are demonstrated. Finally, the accuracy, efficiency and function of the integrated coupling element are tested using two numerical examples. The influences of different combinations of rail and bridge element length in the coupling element on the solution are investigated, and the effects of different rail irregularities on the dynamic responses are discussed.