FEM-based dynamic analysis of noise barriers under train-induced aerodynamic load

Railway noise barriers should provide excellent sound insulation and sufficient load-bearing capacity. High-speed railway noise barriers experience significant and transient aerodynamic loads from passing trains, resulting in noticeable dynamic responses. In this study, three simplified load models were applied to a noise barrier to compare the dynamic responses to those obtained under a reference load from cfd simulations. Results show that the natural frequency of target noise barriers exceeds 10 hz, significantly surpassing the excitation frequency of the train-induced aerodynamic load, thereby minimizing the likelihood of resonance. The displacement or stress evolution closely correlates with the variation in pressure over time. Along the longitudinal direction of the noise barrier, the stress range initially increases, stabilizes, and eventually decreases, reaching its maximum at the penultimate post. Compared to the two simplified rectangular load models, the triangular load model with a distribution load length of 12 m better represents the detailed time-varying aerodynamic load.