A methodology for analyzing the lateral train-structure interaction is proposed in this article. The wheel­‑rail contact formulation incorporated in the methodology consists in three main steps: the geometrical problem, where the contact point position is detected; the normal contact problem, in which the forces are determined based on the Hertz theory, and the tangential contact problem, where the creep forces are calculated using the rolling friction laws proposed by Kalker. Two application cases are presented related to the running safety assessment of a train moving over bridges subjected to earthquakes and a crosswinds. The dynamic response of both the bridges and the train are discussed and the running safety is assessed using criteria existent in the literature.

Keywords: train-structure interaction, bridge dynamics, running safety, wheel-rail contact, earthquakes, crosswinds.

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