Abstract:
Objective The track beams used in suspended monorail transit projects adopt an open box girder cross-section. To balance the economic efficiency and train operation stability, it is necessary to optimize the structural design parameters of track beam steel web plates in suspended monorail transit systems.
Method A latticed steel web plate design and fabrication scheme is adopted, and its key geometric dimensions are selected as design optimization parameters. A finite element model of the track beam is established by using ABAQUS software, and the optimal parameter solutions are obtained through ISIGHT software.
Result & Conclusion The latticed steel web plate design plan significantly increases the beam height, thereby enhancing the stiffness of track beam while reducing steel usage and saving costs. The optimal parameter ranges are determined as follows: the vertical distance from the bottom edge of the latticed steel web plate to the lower boundary of hexagonal opening should be 325-425 mm, and the angle between the slanted edge of hexagon and the central axis should be 30°60°. Compared with the solid steel web design, the latticed steel web plate plan can reduce steel consumption by approximately 16%-24%. The combined use of ABAQUS software and ISIGHT software for structural optimization can avoid the tedious process of manual parameter tuning and improves design efficiency.