AN INNOVATIVE MAGNETIC PICK-UP TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF A MONITORING PROCEDURE APPLICABLE TO STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS INSERTED IN PAVEMENTS

This paper examines a numerical simulation for studying response of a recently developed structural system, which is needed to operate an innovative vehicle, based on a magnetic pick-up power collector and a ground embedded contact line. The structural system that is the aim of this work essentially consists of 2 main component sets: 1) a sequence of reinforced concrete beams which are inserted in the soil along the lane to be followed by the vehicle; and 2) a sequence of composite box beams which are placed on top of the concrete elements by exploiting an adequate opening so that, eventually, the pavement surface and the upper sides of the beams (concrete and composite members) are at the same level and provide a convenient, smooth surface suitable for ongoing traffic. Because of the innovative features of the structural system, for which previous similar experience is not available, numerical simulations can play a significant role. Indeed, not only do computer methods provide an obvious advantage of checking the structural behavior and pointing out potentially critical zones; they can also be exploited for an enhanced design of a monitoring procedure that should be considered at least for the first version of the system. The paper focuses on this issue and points out the information to be expected by processing experimental results provided by an adequate monitoring program for overhaul and maintenance of the infrastructure. A commercial finite element package for nonlinear structural analysis was used for numerical analysis. Details of discrete models are given and typical numerical results, that appear to be of interest for the non-traditional structural system studied herein, are discussed.