Method for Estimating Snow Accretion on Shinkansen Bogies using Weather Data

Shinkansen trains operating in snowy areas accumulate snow on their bogies, which can sometimes lead to damage to ground facilities. To prevent this type of damage, snow is removed from trains in stations. We developed a method to estimate the amount of snow accretion on bogies: first, snow density on the rail way track is estimated using weather data, then, flying up snow flux is estimated. This is then used to predict the accumulated snow amount under the bogies. Our research confirmed that snow accretion under a bogie upon arrival at a station can be estimated to within 3 cm. running route and weather observation points of Japan Meteorological Agen-cy Earth retaining structures, such as bridge abutments and retaining walls, are con-structed at the boundary of bridges or embankments. There are a variety of earth retaining structure failure modes, therefore in order to be able to ensure rational aseismic reinforcement, it is necessary to develop a range of different aseismic reinforcement methods adapted to the relevant earth retaining structure’s failure mode. Moreover, there are many cases where construction work is severely restricted due to various limitations, such as land boundaries, available space, and time available for construction work. Therefore, the authors propose an aseismic reinforcement method, which can both improve seismic performance of earth retaining structures and be carried out efficiently. This paper outlines this research and describes some examples of the practical application of the newly developed reinforcement method.