Fracture Mechanics: Application on Orthotropic Steel Decks

In the course of this thesis, a research has been conducted to the application of fracture mechanics on an othotropic steel deck (OSD). Obtaining accurate predictions of crack path and fatigue life assessment were the main objectives for this thesis. As 3D crack propagation modelling in orthotropic steel decks is an arduous task, simpler studies...

The possibilities of Hybrid steel-FRP bridges in movable highway spans

The increasing number of vehicles does not stop, axle loads get higher and wheel contact surfaces have decreased causing bridges to show significant fatigue damage. Demolishing and building a new bridge is out of the picture due to the current ideas on sustainability and environmental impact. Therefore renovation is necessary, as much of the...

Prediction of Fatigue Crack Propagation in Orthotropic Steel Decks using XFEM based on LEFM and VCCT

Orthotropic Steel Decks (OSDs) are widely used in various types of steel bridges due to their benefits of light weight, high load bearing capacity and speedy construction. Although many improvements in aspects of design, fabrication, inspection, and maintenance have been achieved over the years for such bridge decks, fatigue remains a...

Prediction of residual stress of an orthotropic plate due to welding

Orthotropic steel decks are widely used in bridge construction nowadays, especially in case of long span bridges. One of the main problems of bridges that utilize this technology is the susceptibility to fatigue failure. Cyclic loading due to wheel loads, in combination with the complex network of welded details, make such types of decks prone...