Responses of Continuous, Elastically Supported Beam Guideways to Transit Loads

Solutions for nondimensional dynamic response histories are formulated for an undamped, continuous, Bernoulli-Euler beam resting on discrete, evenly-spaced, equal elastic supports. Responses depend on: The distribution of the constant force loads; a dimensionless load speed parameter; and the ratio of support stiffness to beam stiffness. Peak midspan moments and deflections are calculated over a wide range of system parameters for several beam configurations. Results are that the extreme end spans have the peak dynamic responses; that these responses increase as the relative support stiffness increases; and responses may become unbounded. Experimental measurements complement the calculations. Results are applicable to the design of cable-stayed guideways for advanced transit systems.