Chapter 3: Static loads due to traffic

q vk q vk

a c a

Figure 14. Load Models SW/0 and SW/2

4.2.3 Load Model “unloaded train”

The so called unloaded train is a particular load model consisting of a vertical uniformly
distributed load with a characteristic value of 10.0 kN/m, which could be used for some
particular verifications.

4.2.4 Eccentricity of vertical load models 71 and SW/0

The eccentricity of vertical load due to lateral displacement to be considered for static
verifications assessments can be taken into account considering the ratio of wheel loads on all
axles as up to 1.25:1.00 on each track, so that it results the eccentricity e shown in figure 15,
which should be not greater than r/18, being r the transverse distance between the wheel loads.
The loads to be taken into account are the appropriate uniformly distributed and
concentrated loads pertaining to LM71 and SW0 when required.
The load eccentricity e may be neglected in fatigue verifications

qv1 +q v2
Qv1 +Qv2

qv2
≤1.25
qv1 e qv2 qv1
Qv1 Qv2 Qv2
≤1.25
Qv1
r
e≤ 18
r

Figure 15. Eccentricity of vertical loads

4.2.5 Distribution of axle loads

Distribution of axle loads by the rails, sleepers and ballast, for all kind of trains and
verifications, including fatigue, can be taken into account

- in the longitudinal direction considering that a point force or an axle load is

distributed by the rail over three adjacent sleepers, being the loaded one subjected to
the 50% of the load and each of the two adjacent one subjected to the 25% of the load
as indicated in figure 16; for local verifications a load dispersal with 4:1 slope

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