Finger-Plate and Flat-Plate Expansion Device Design Evaluation
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 22, Issue 12
Abstract
The objective of this project is to investigate the causes of premature deterioration of a number of existing finger-plate and flat-plate expansion devices under high traffic volumes and to suggest new designs and retrofits for improved performance. The main contributions to the failure of the finger-plate expansion devices were found to be fatigue failure of the weld between the finger plate and the support beam as well as vertical misalignment due to poor construction. The dynamic impact of truck traffic was also found to be a contributing factor. The failures of flat-plate expansion devices were generally initiated by misalignment of the sliding plate and support angle due to rotation in the bridge span or poor alignment during construction. Experimental testing showed that the dynamic impact in the finger-plate device is generally between 40 and 70% and could be as much as 160%, and the effect of misalignment of the fingers can result in an increase in stress of up to 30%. The experimental results were used to validate finite-element models (FEMs), which also show high stresses in the weld between the finger plate and support beam concentrated over the stiffener location. New and retrofit designs of the finger-plate connection device concentrated on the use of bolted connections to reduce stress concentrations, to improve support structure, and to increase adjustability for alignment.
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Acknowledgments
This research effort was supported by the Missouri DOT under Project TR201506. The opinions, findings, and recommendations expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the DOT or Federal Highway Administration. This document does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.
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© 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 10, 2017
Accepted: Jul 7, 2017
Published online: Oct 6, 2017
Published in print: Dec 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Mar 6, 2018
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