Research Report 276 Assessment of trough to crossbeam connections in orthotropic steel bridge

Publication Year

1990

Document Status

Current

Abstract

Fatigue cracks in early designs of trough to crossbeam connection in orthotropic steel bridge decks have occurred after less than 20 years service. The objectives of this research were to assess the fatigue performance of more recent designs of connection and, if appropriate, to suggest design improvements. It is concluded that none of the three designs tested, and currently in use in major European bridges, meet the 120 year design life of UK bridges when assessed by the BS 5400 Code of Practice for Fatigue, ignoring the effect on the bridge deck surfacing. An 'optimised' design is suggested but will require a similar testing programme to assess its performance before being adopted for use in practice.

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