Applying the Weibull and Stüssi Methods that Derive Reliable Wöhler Curves to Historical German Bridges

Abstract

Preserving the structural integrity of historical bridges made of wrought iron is a mandatory technical requirement in several countries in Europe. A reliable fatigue lifetime estimation of theses bridges allows for proposal of adequate maintenance policies to keep these historical structures as part of the historical legacy for the next generations. In this paper, fatigue data of German bridges built between 1850 and 1900 are considered. The Weibull model of Castilllo and the model of Stüssi to depict the Wöhler curves and estimate the fatigue limit are applied. Their results are compared with those from the linear model of Basquin, which is used in international standards.