Estimating Fatigue Life of Bridge Components Using Measured Strains
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 11, Issue 6
Abstract
The design fatigue life of a bridge component is based on the stress spectrum the component experiences and the fatigue durability. Changes in traffic patterns, volume, and any degradation of structural components can influence the fatigue life of the bridge. A fatigue life evaluation reflecting the actual conditions has value to bridge owners. Procedures are outlined in the AASHTO Guide Specifications for Fatigue Evaluation of Existing Steel Bridges to estimate the remaining fatigue life of bridges using the measured strain data under actual vehicular traffic. This paper presents the methodology with an actual case study of Patroon Island Bridge. The Patroon Island Bridge consists of ten spans. Spans 3 through 9 are considered the main spans and consist of steel trusses and concrete decks. Spans 1, 2, and 10 are considered approach spans and consist of plate girders. The overall bridge length is 1,795 feet. Strain data from critical structural members were used to estimate the remaining fatigue life of selected bridge components. The results indicate that most of the identified critical details have an infinite remaining safe fatigue life and others have a substantial fatigue life. Cracked floor beams were not addressed in this analysis, but have been recommended for retrofitting or replacement.
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Acknowledgments
George Schongar and Harry Greenberg of the Transportation Research and Development Bureau installed the gauges and collected the data with assistance from other department personnel. Arthur P. Yannotti and Dr. Mengisteab Debessay of the Structures Design and Construction Division provided required logistical support. Department personnel from Albany Region provided the traffic crews and snooper truck operators for the instrumentation and data acquisition. All the views presented in this paper are those of the writers and not necessarily of the New York State Department of Transportation.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 11 • Issue 6 • November 2006
Pages: 725 - 736
Copyright
© 2006 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 12, 2005
Accepted: Dec 5, 2005
Published online: Nov 1, 2006
Published in print: Nov 2006
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