Fatigue Reliability Analysis of Steel Girder Bridges

This study evaluates the fatigue reliability of steel girder bridges, which have been designed using the Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (CHBDC). The study also evaluates what is the appropriate required design value to be used to obtain specific target levels of reliability. Truck load models are reviewed; simple equations are developed to assess the required fatigue design factors; algorithms to evaluate stress cycle due to passing trucks are developed and implemented; and recommendations are provided on the efficacy and adequacy of current design code in regard to the fatigue limit state design of steel girder bridges.