Subcritical Crack Growth and Fracture of Bridge Steels

This report contains the findings of an experimental study with the objective of developing information that will lead to prevention of unstable crack growth in welded steel bridge members. The results describe the fatigue crack growth behavior, corrosion fatigue crack propagation, stress-corrosion cracking, and fracture behavior of five grades of steel commonly used in bridges, under loadings such as occur in highway bridges. The findings from this research should be of value to structural engineers and others involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of steel bridges.