Extrema Estimation of Non-Stationary and Non-Gaussian Wheelset Lateral Force During Vehicle–Bridge Interactions

The wheelset lateral force is a critical parameter in evaluating track safety, and it exhibits non-stationarity and non-Gaussianity, which significantly affect its extreme values. This paper introduces a novel method for estimating the extrema of non-Gaussian random processes with a non-stationary mean and applies it to analyze the extrema of wheelset lateral force in vehicle–bridge interaction systems. The proposed method is validated through Monte Carlo simulations, demonstrating that accurate assessments can be achieved with as few as 20 samples. Additionally, the study evaluates operational safety based on the estimated extrema of wheelset lateral force. The results reveal that vehicle speed has a more pronounced effect on the extrema, with the wheelset lateral force increasing by over 80% at 350[Formula: see text]km/h compared to 200[Formula: see text]km/h, highlighting the critical role of speed in track safety considerations. These findings provide an efficient and accurate method for assessing track safety, with implications for optimizing track design and ensuring operational safety.