Numerical simulation of fatigue behavior for cable-stayed orthotropic steel deck bridges using mixed-dimensional coupling method

Effective methods and technologies in fatigue behavior and assessment for cable-stayed orthotropic steel deck bridges are critical to ensure their safety and serviceability. In this study, a mixed-dimensional finite element coupling method is used for structural fatigue assessment. A general framework of the Mix-dimensional Coupling (MDC) method is constructed on the basis of a compromise between simplicity and efficiency as compared to conventional sub-modeling or substructure method. Fatigue details and performance at welded joints have been investigated through the MDC method. Efficiency of the MDC method is demonstrated by a comparison with the simplified Bridge-deck-system (BDS) method. Besides the benefits of the saving time, the numerical simulation also indicated that the MDC method can effectively capture the global behavior for better fatigue prediction, that be ignored in the conventional BDS method as expected. Findings suggest that the MDC method is a cost-effective alternative for fatigue behavior and fatigue assessment of large-span orthotropic steel deck bridges.

[1]  Tommy H.T. Chan,et al.  Condition-assessment-based finite element modelling of long-span bridge by mixed dimensional coupling method , 2008, WCE 2008.

[2]  J. Schijve.  Predictions on Fatigue Life and Crack Growth as an Engineering Problem. A State of the Art Survey , 1996 .

[3]  Xiao Ling Zhao,et al.  Stress analyses and fatigue evaluation of rib-to-deck joints in steel orthotropic decks , 2008 .

[4]  Wai-Fah Chen,et al.  Bridge Engineering Handbook , 1999 .

[5]  Bryan E. Little,et al.  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Highway Drainage Guidelines American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. LRFD Bridge Design Specifications , 2000 .

[6]  Weizhen Chen,et al.  Prediction of fatigue life of welded details in cable-stayed orthotropic steel deck bridges , 2016 .

[7]  Alfred R. Mangus,et al.  Orthotropic Deck Bridges , 1999 .

[8]  Wai-Fah Chen,et al.  Bridge engineering handbook : construction and maintenance , 2014 .

[9]  Z. X. Li,et al.  Combined use of SHMS and finite element strain data for assessing the fatigue reliability index of girder components in long-span cable-stayed bridge , 2010 .

[10]  T. Chan,et al.  Mixed-Dimensional Consistent Coupling by Multi-Point Constraint Equations for Efficient Multi-Scale Modeling , 2012 .

[11]  Mustafa Aygül.  Fatigue Analysis Of Welded Structures Using The Finite Element Method , 2012 .

[12]  Tommy H.T. Chan,et al.  Concurrent multi-scale modeling of structures and damage analyses , 2007 .

[13]  Dan M. Frangopol,et al.  Bridge Maintenance, Safety, Management and Life-Cycle Optimization , 2010 .

[14]  Wolfgang Fricke,et al.  FATIGUE STRENGTH ASSESSMENT OF SCALLOPS - AN EXAMPLE FOR THE APPLICATION OF NOMINAL AND LOCAL STRESS APPROACHES , 1995 .

[15]  Roman Wolchuk,et al.  LESSONS FROM WELD CRACKS IN ORTHOTROPIC DECKS ON THREE EUROPEAN BRIDGES , 1990 .

[16]  Wl L. Qu,et al.  Mixed-dimensional finite element coupling for structural multi-scale simulation , 2014 .

[17]  M. H. Kolstein,et al.  Fatigue classification of welded joints in orthotropic steel bridge decks , 2007 .

[18]  E. W. C. Wilkins,et al.  Cumulative damage in fatigue , 1956 .

[19]  Vince Adams,et al.  Building Better Products with Finite Element Analysis , 1998 .

[20]  E. Gaylord,et al.  Design of Steel Structures , 1972 .

[21]  Fbp de Jong,et al.  TECHNIQUES AND SOLUTIONS FOR REHABILITATION OF ORTHOTROPIC STEEL BRIDGE DECKS IN THE NETHERLANDS. , 2003 .

[22]  Jeremiah David Fasl.  Estimating the remaining fatigue life of steel bridges using field measurements , 2013 .

[23]  C. Uang,et al.  Stress Analyses and Parametric Study on Full-Scale Fatigue Tests of Rib-to-Deck Welded Joints in Steel Orthotropic Decks , 2012 .

[24]  Fardad Azarmi,et al.  A Revisit of Fatigue Performance Based Welding Quality Criteria in Bridge Welding Provisions and Guidelines , 2015 .

[25]  Jan Ming Ko,et al.  Fatigue analysis and life prediction of bridges with structural health monitoring data — Part II: application , 2001 .

[26]  C. Guedes Soares,et al.  Fatigue analysis of ship deck structure accounting for imperfections , 2008 .

[27]  Z. X. Li,et al.  Concurrent multi-scale modeling of civil infrastructures for analyses on structural deterioration—Part I : Modeling methodology and strategy , 2009 .

[28]  Fardad Azarmi,et al.  Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Technologies with Applications to Evaluation of Steel Bridge Welding - An Overview , 2015 .

[29]  Haifan Xiang,et al.  Concept and requirements of sustainable development in bridge engineering , 2011 .