A numerical bridge-train load response model has recently been developed by the authors. Numerical time-stepping is performed using the Runge-Kutta technique. Hertzian springs were used to simulate the contact phenomenon between rolling stock wheels and rails in order to calculate the interaction forces between these components.

The stiffness of Hertzian springs has a significant impact on the size of time step used in the Runge-Kutta method. The influence of springs stiffness was investigated in order to improve the program efficiency, asses sensitivity of results to the spring stiffness and to make a solution less time consuming.

A brief formulation of model is first presented, this is followed by an application of the model to a large bridge. In the case study the bridge responses are computed for different values of the Hertzian spring stiffness.

The Boyne Viaduct, Drogheda, Ireland model was tested. Dimensionless parameters were used to demonstrate the effects of stiffness variations.

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