Stretto di Messina S.p.A. > FAQ > WHAT STUDIES HAVE BEEN DONE TO TEST THE PASSAGE OF TRAINS ON THE STRAIT OF MESSINA BRIDGE?

WHAT STUDIES HAVE BEEN DONE TO TEST THE PASSAGE OF TRAINS ON THE STRAIT OF MESSINA BRIDGE?

A thorough runability analysis was carried out. The runability analysis was conducted to ensure that the requirements for runability, safety, and comfort would be met for all types of trains using the bridge (HS, intercity, regional, freight). The analysis involved predicting the combination of various loads acting on the bridge, such as environmental loads from temperature, wind, and seismic activity, road loads, and estimated rail loads under different conditions (e.g., varying numbers of trains, different train positions and speeds, train lengths up to 750 meters, and weights ranging from 920 tons to 6,000 tons for the heaviest trains). During the analysis, trains were simulated running both individually and in pairs on each of the two tracks. To determine the most unfavorable positions for interaction between two trains on the bridge, different crossing configurations were simulated, including scenarios where trains met at sections in the middle of the central span and at the towers. Two parallel and independent runability analyses were carried out by the General Contractor and the Project Management Consultant employed by Stretto di Messina. Both analyses showed that the trains run in compliance with the runability requirements outlined in the project specifications and European railway standards, even under the heaviest load conditions.