Estimation of Fatigue Life of Long-Span Bridge by Considering Vehicle-Bridge Coupled Vibration
To estimate the fatigue life of long-span steel bridge more accurately, this paper proposes a method for estimating the fatigue life of long-span bridges by considering vehicle-bridge coupled vibration. Firstly, the universal equation of vehicle-bridge vibration is derived based on triaxial standard multi-scale model of fatigue vehicle and bridge, and relevant program for vehicle-bridge coupled vibration is programmed. Secondly, a method for estimating the fatigue life of long-span steel bridge is proposed based on fracture mechanics theories, and the analysis process is expounded in details. Finally, the method for estimating fatigue life proposed in this paper is verified by taking a double pylon cable- stayed bridge with orthotropic steel bridge deck slab as an example.
Fatigue
AJN ▼ April 2001 ▼ Supplement 31 D id you know that the primary complaint of people with cancer is fatigue? In a recent study conducted by the Fatigue Coalition, of 379 patients interviewed, 76% reported they experienced fatigue, 54% reported nausea, 23% depression, and 20% pain. In a previous study, 78% of patients reported fatigue during the course of their disease and treatment, with 32% reporting they experienced it daily.
Finite element modelling for fatigue stress analysis of large suspension bridges
Fatigue is an important failure mode for large suspension bridges under traffic loadings. However, large suspension bridges have so many attributes that it is difficult to analyze their fatigue damage using experimental measurement methods. Numerical simulation is a feasible method of studying such fatigue damage. In British standards, the finite element method is recommended as a rigorous method for steel bridge fatigue analysis. This paper aims at developing a finite element (FE) model of a large suspension steel bridge for fatigue stress analysis. As a case study, a FE model of the Tsing Ma Bridge is presented. The verification of the model is carried out with the help of the measured bridge modal characteristics and the online data measured by the structural health monitoring system installed on the bridge. The results show that the constructed FE model is efficient for bridge dynamic analysis. Global structural analyses using the developed FE model are presented to determine the components of the nominal stress generated by railway loadings and some typical highway loadings. The critical locations in the bridge main span are also identified with the numerical results of the global FE stress analysis. Local stress analysis of a typical weld connection is carried out to obtain the hot-spot stresses in the region. These results provide a basis for evaluating fatigue damage and predicting the remaining life of the bridge.