Fatigue durability of trough rib to deck plate welded detail of some orthotropic steel decks

Abstract

In this study, a number of orthotropic steel deck models are studied on their trough rib to deck welded joint at span center with regard to root-deck and root-weld fatigue cracks. It is found that increase in deck plate thickness can prolong fatigue lives of the joints regard to both fatigue cracks. Wheel position has also large influence on fatigue life of the joint. The wheel located between the trough ribs gives less damage to the joint. The longer span of trough rib tends to be more venerable to fatigue than the shorter one for root weld crack, but asphalt pavement of 75mm or 100mm thick makes not much difference in increasing in fatigue lives of the joint when load distribution is considered for half period of the year.