Abstract
The fatigue limit state is one of the important considerations in the design of bridges. Accumulated load cycles can cause cracking or even failure. An approach to evaluation of steel and concrete bridges with regard to fatigue is presented. The method for prediction of the remaining life of a bridge superstructure is based on the load model and the procedure to estimate fatigue degradation of materials. In the case of steel girders, degradation of material is considered using S-N curves. For reinforced concrete beams, degradation of concrete in the compressive zone is described by the rheological fatigue model. Reliability analysis is performed for the fatigue limit state function of flexure. Prediction of the remaining fatigue life for steel and concrete beams is illustrated on examples of existing bridge girders.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.