Local stresses in orthotropic steel bridge decks caused by wheel loads
Abstract
The finite element analysis of an orthotropic steel deck panel with trough stiffeners, subjected to local wheel loading, is described. A suitably adapted three-dimensional quadrilateral shell element enabled a prediction to be made of the detailed stress distribution in the area of the deck-plate-to-stiffener weld. The predicted stresses agreed well with measurements made on a 2 m × 1 m test panel taken from a full size bridge deck and were considered accurate enough for a satisfactory assessment to be made of the fatigue life of the deck-plate-to-stiffener weld. The method was used to analyse full width deck panels and it was shown that the stresses decks with Vee-stiffeners were up to 40 per cent lower than those with trapezoidal stiffeners. © 1981.
Publication Title
Journal of Constructional Steel Research
Recommended Citation
Cullimore, M., & Smith, J. (1981). Local stresses in orthotropic steel bridge decks caused by wheel loads. Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 1 (2), 17-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/0143-974X(81)90029-8
