Fatigue Assessment of RC Bridges

Deformation response of a structure to repeated cyclic loading is said to produce fatigue in a structure. Fatigue is the structural damage (cracks) that occurs under repetitive (cyclic) load. The damage is progressive and depends on the number of stress cycles along the service life of the structure. Temperature affects the material toughness therefore, affects its crack propagation resistance. There are two types of fatigue problems: load-induced fatigue and deformation (compatibility) induced fatigue. We design for the load-induced fatigue by controlling the stress level (range). We detail to avoid deformation-induced fatigue. A structure subjected to moving load or base of a hammer Crusher are examples of structures subjected to cyclic loading and hence fatigue. Fatigue, obviously a function of time, in repeated loadings ranging from minimum to maximum (not ultimate) causes a permanent strain in structural elements. Since shrinkage & creep are also time-functions in concrete & their precise combination is indeterminate so it would not be a sustainable idea if permanent strains are worried in the designs considering safety or strength reduction factors. In bridges, one classic example of deformation-induced fatigue problem is when the transverse stiffeners connecting the cross-frames to the girders are not welded to the girders top and bottom flanges. When one girder is loaded under LL, the cross-frames will induce a lateral movement on the adjacent girder. The eccentricity between the cross-frame working point and the concrete deck will create longitudinal fatigue cracks on the girder web. In Seismic Design, we talk about low-cycle fatigue failure when the rebar is subject to very high (inelastic) stress levels. Efficiency of welded joints is not up to the mark against fatigue. Welded joints subject to cyclic loading need to be carefully designed to avoid structural fatigue. Due to the complexity of the problem most codes have developed categories that address the problem and directly support designers (e.g. certain types of welds and detail categories are prohibited). In most cases bolted connections using pre-tensioned high-strength bolts bypass the problem from a designers point of view. But even in riveted or bolted connections fatigue problems have occurred during service. Solution on steel structures- good structural detailing is the best answer to address structural fatigue problems.

Visit this site http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141029697001946