Loading tests and strength evaluation of bogie frame for intermodal tram

In this study, loading tests and a strength evaluation of the bogie frame were conducted to verify the structural safety of the bogie system in an intermodal tram, which runs with cars on a road track. The loads were calculated taking into account the features of the road track with many sharp curves and steep gradients, which are different from the track of conventional railway. They were compared with the loads specified in the previous standard specifications. After the comparison, it was confirmed that the loads acting on the bogie system operating on a road track are slightly different from the specified loads. The specified vertical load of the standard specification for all kinds of trains is conservative, but the specified lateral and longitudinal loads are less than the calculated loads. The application of the actual loads was proven to be reasonable in the development of a new railway system. Based on the defined loads, the bogie frame was fabricated on which strain gauges were attached. It was set on the large loading frame so that the stresses could be measured when loads were applied by hydraulic actuators. After measuring the stresses, it was shown that they were below the allowable stress, which verified the structural safety of the bogie frame.