GPR-assisted evaluation of probabilistic fatigue crack growth in rib-to-deck joints in orthotropic steel decks considering mixed failure models

Rib-to-deck (RD) welded joints in orthotropic steel decks (OSDs) of bridges demonstrates two major fatigue failure models, including the toe-to-deck (TTD) cracking and root-to-deck (RTD) cracking. Generally, the sole failure model is employed in the fatigue assessment of RD joints, causing a hot dispute on the dominant failure model. In this...

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...

Retrofit fatigue cracked diaphragm cutouts using improved geometry in orthotropic steel decks

Diaphragm cutouts are set to release redundant constraints and hence reduce weld fatigue at the connection of U-ribs to diaphragms in orthotropic steel decks. However, most fatigue cracks which originate from the edge of cutouts are in fact detected in the diaphragms. Therefore, a retrofit technology on cracked cutouts at the diaphragm is...

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...

Parametric design of steel orthotropic bridge decks for fatigue calculations

Currently the transport & planning (transport & logistics) group from Royal HaskoningDHV makes their pre-design for steel orthotropic bridge decks by using rules of thumb and experience. In the final design-stage this is verified whereby the force distribution is checked with the help of 3D finite element software (FEM). In this stage...

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...