Systematic derivation of safety factors for the fatigue design of steel bridges

This paper presents a probabilistic framework to derive the safety factors for fatigue of steel and composite steel concrete road bridges. Engineering models are used for the design and the safety factor is derived in such a way that the design meets the target reliability set by international Eurocode and ISO standards, estimated using measured...

Evaluation of the contact area of lorry tyres in Eurocode’s fatigue load model 4 (FLM4)

Rivet clamping force of as-built hot-riveted connections in steel bridges

Hot-riveted connections have been widely used in the past for metallic bridges, of which a large part is still in service, making relevant the assessment of their fatigue life. Previous studies have shown that the fatigue behavior of hot-riveted connections depends on many factors; among these, the residual tensile force in the rivets that...

Estimation of the Structural Reliability for Fatigue of Welded Bridge Details Using Advanced Resistance Models

This present paper concerns the application of probabilistic fatigue life prediction models based on S–N curves aiming at the estimation of the safety level for a nonload carrying cruciform joint. The safety level is expressed in terms of the reliability index as a function of the number of applied cycles. Estimating the reliability of a...

Use of HSS and VHSS in steel structures in civil and offshore engineering: Requirements regarding material properties

In Memoriam of Prof. Dr. Bernt Johansson. The use of high-strength steels (HSS, 460 < fy ≤ 700 MPa) and particularly very high-strength steels (VHSS, fy > 700 MPa) is limited in steel structures in civil and offshore engineering. This is due to a lack of experience in structures made of these materials and a lack of understanding of the...

Acoustic characteristics and noise control measures for steel road bridges

Economic, environmental and social cost-benefit analysis of road construction works

Strengthening of rivetedd connections of a steel Arch Bridge: Lessons learned

As part of an extensive renovation program, Arup Netherlands delivered engineering services for the strengthening and renovation of 8 large steel bridges in the Dutch highway network. Strengthening of the riveted splice connections at the ends of the hangers of a steel arch bridge on the Dutch A2 motorway represented a significant challenge to...

Influence of asphalt on fatigue crack monitoring in steel bridge decks using guided waves

Asphalt materials generally exhibit temperature-dependent properties, which can influence the performance of fatigue crack inspection and monitoring systems for bridge deck structures. For a non-intrusive fatigue crack sizing methodology applied to steel decks using ultrasonic guided waves, the effect of asphalt has been investigated. A higher...

Failure and fatigue life assessment of steel railway bridges with brittle material

Some existing steel bridges have been constructed from steels with a toughness that does not fulfil the requirements in modern standards. In such a case, standards for bridges do not provide an alternative assessment route. Yet such bridges may still be fit for purpose. This paper presents an assessment method for structural safety and for the...

Acoustic emission health monitoring of steel bridges

Despite extensive developments in the field of Acoustic Emission (AE) for monitoring fatigue cracks in steel structures, the implementation of AE systems for large-scale bridges is hindered by limitations associated with instrumentation costs and signal processing complexities. This paper sheds light on some of the most important challenges in...

Crack growth prediction of deck plate-stiffener joints in orthotropic steel bridge decks

Orthotropic deck structures are used in many steel bridges. Due to the typical detailing applied as around 1970, a significant number of deck structures constructed in that period suffer from fatigue damage. In many countries cracks have been detected, in particular in the weld between the deck plate and the trapezoidal stiffener. These cracks...