Analysis of fatigue test conditions for reproducing weld toe cracking into U-rib wall in orthotropic bridge decks

In this study, the fatigue test conditions for reproducing weld toe cracking into U-rib wall in orthotropic bridge decks (OBD) are investigated by both experimental and numerical methods. The traction structural stress method is shown effective for evaluating this fatigue failure mode (referred to as toe-U rib hereafter) and its associated test conditions. Experimental validations were then performed in this study, in which toe-U rib failure mode was consistently observed. It is found that the toe-U rib failure mode and its fatigue capability are not impacted by typical variations in weld penetration in both single-sided and double-sided welds.

Automated summary

This study investigates the fatigue test conditions for reproducing weld toe cracking into U-rib wall in orthotropic bridge decks using both experimental and numerical methods. The traction structural stress method is proven effective in evaluating this fatigue failure mode (referred to as toe-U rib) and its associated test conditions. Experimental validations consistently observed the toe-U rib failure mode, and it was found that variations in weld penetration do not impact the failure mode and its fatigue capability.