Can 100-year-old steel railroad bridges continue to be used in service?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Rakoczy ◽  
Duane Otter
Keyword(s):  
Probabilistic Method ◽  
Probabilistic Methods ◽  
Steel Bridge ◽  
Accurate Assessment ◽  
Railway Bridges ◽  
Railroad Bridges ◽  
Service Testing ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
Steel Deck ◽  
Plate Girder

<p>More than 50 percent of steel deck plate girder railway bridges in North America exceed 100 years in service. This includes more than 14,000 spans with a total length of 145 miles that remain in service. The oldest bridges are close to 150 years old. For these aging structures, there is a special need to develop reliable procedures to evaluate their fitness for continued service. Simplified calculations and conservative assumptions often lead to spurious outcomes that indicate older structures ceased to be functional decades ago. Even if a steel bridge reaches its estimated fatigue life, the structure might be fit for future service and perhaps for a significant period of time. Fitness for service assessments that utilize probabilistic methods, and that are informed by and consistent with detailed physical inspections of the structures, provide a more accurate assessment of the fitness and expected life of bridges. In this paper, a probabilistic method is demonstrated on three, riveted deck plate girder spans that exceed 100 years of service. The spans are currently located at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing.</p>

scholarly journals Welding-induced Residual Stresses in U-Ribs of a Steel Bridge Deck

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huili Wang ◽  
Sifeng Qin ◽  
Ben Wang ◽  
Shaobo Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Residual Stresses ◽  
Body Force ◽  
Welding Process ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Steel Bridge ◽  
Heat Generation Rate ◽  
Finite Element Software ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
Source Models ◽  
Steel Deck

To calculate the welding-induced residual stresses in U-ribs of the steel deck plate and conduct quantitative analysis of influential factors, the U-ribs of steel deck plate of Xinghai Bay Bridge was taken as the research object. In the ABAQUS finite element software, the local models of U-ribs of steel deck plate were established. Nodal body force loads, i.e., heat generation rate, of the double ellipsoidal heat source models were applied via the compiled subsidiary Dflux program. The welding process of the v-groove welds was simulated, to obtain the residual stresses distribution in the top plate and U-rib plates. The influence of thickness of top plate and angle of welding groove on the residual stresses in the U-ribs were studied. The results show that the welding-induced residual stresses calculated by the numerical method proposed in this paper agree well with the experimental data. The maximum residual stresses in the top plates and the U-rib plates all occur near the welds, which exceeds the yielding limitation of the material. As the thickness of top plate increases, the maximum values of residual stresses in the top plates and U-ribs increase. However, with the increase of groove angle, the maximum values of residual stresses in the top plates and U-rib plates decrease.

scholarly journals Railroad Tie Lateral Resistance on Open-Deck Plate Girder Bridges

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
John T. Gergel ◽  
Vishali M. Vasudevan ◽  
Matthew H. Hebdon
Keyword(s):  
Wood Species ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Lateral Loads ◽  
Friction Resistance ◽  
Railroad Bridges ◽  
Girder Bridges ◽  
Lateral Resistance ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
Bridge Superstructure ◽  
Plate Girder

Abstract On open-deck railroad bridges, the crossties (sleepers) are directly supported by the bridge superstructure and anchored with deck tie fasteners such as hook bolts. These fasteners provide lateral resistance for the bridge ties, and in railroad bridge design, their spacing is controlled by the required lateral resistance of the ties. Currently there are no provisions to assist in the calculation of lateral resistance provided by railroad ties on open-deck bridges, and as a result there are no specific requirements for the spacing of deck tie fasteners. This has led to different design practices specific to each railroad, and inconsistent fastener spacing in existing railroad bridges. A research plan was conducted to experimentally quantify the lateral resistance of timber crossties on open-deck plate girder bridges using different wood species and types of fasteners. Experimental tests were conducted on four different species of timber crossties (Beech, Sycamore, Southern Pine, and Oak) with three different types of fasteners (square body hook bolt, forged hook bolt, and Quick-Set Anchors). A structural test setup simulated one half of an open-deck bridge with a smooth-top steel plate girder, and hydraulic actuators to apply both vertical and horizontal load to a railroad tie specimen. The three main contributions to lateral resistance on open-deck bridges were identified as friction resistance between tie and girder due to vertical load from a truck axle, resistance from the fastener, and resistance from dapped ties bearing against the girder flange. Initial testing conducted at Virginia Tech isolated each component of lateral resistance to determine the friction coefficient between tie and girder as well as resistance from just the fastener itself. Results indicate that friction resistance varies based on the magnitude of vertical truck axle load, species of wood, and quantity of creosote preservative on the tie, while fastener resistance varies based on type of fastener and displacement of the tie. With the experimental results, a preliminary equation for calculating the overall resistance of open-deck timber crossties is developed, which allows for a recommendation of fastener spacing based on the type of fastener, wood species, and anticipated lateral loads on the structure.

Proactive maintenance method for fatigue cracks to steel bridge deck without traffic disruption

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryo Nakata ◽  
Yukio Adachi
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Damage ◽  
Fatigue Resistance ◽  
Bridge Deck ◽  
Fatigue Cracks ◽  
New Method ◽  
Steel Bridge ◽  
Traffic Demand ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
Steel Deck ◽  
Proactive Maintenance

<p>Fatigue damage is a major topic in bridge maintenance. The fatigue damage to steel bridge deck has been dramatically increasing since the first fatigue damage was observed in Hanshin expressway in early 2000s. Insufficient knowledge of bridge fatigue design and unexpected increase of traffic demand and heavy vehicle could be the cause of the fatigue damage.</p><p>Replacement of base pavement course to steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) has been generally used for strengthening of steel decks; however, the countermeasure from the topside of the bridge deck could make serious traffic disruption. Therefore, reactive and proactive maintenance for such steel decks has not been well progressed so far.</p><p>According to the background above, Hanshin expressway has been making an effort on developing new method by strengthening steel deck from the bottom side. The idea of the new method is to enhance fatigue resistance by improving the weld joint between deck plate and U-rib plate. Three potential methods were identified and the effectiveness of those methods was studied in field for making sure of not only fatigue resistance improvement but also field construction.</p><p>This paper will introduce the new retrofit methods for steel deck and describe the effectiveness of those methods.</p>

Structural Stress Analysis of Trough to Deck Plate Weld in Orthotropic Steel Bridge Decks

2012 ◽  
Vol 204-208 ◽  
pp. 3270-3274
Author(s):  
Man Man Wang ◽  
Ce Chen ◽  
Bo Hai Ji ◽  
Rong Liu ◽  
Duan Duan Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Life ◽  
Fem Analysis ◽  
Extrapolation Method ◽  
Steel Bridge ◽  
Structural Stress ◽  
Coarse Mesh ◽  
Mesh Model ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
Element Type ◽  
Steel Deck

A comparative study among five methods to calculate the structural stress of the trough to deck plate joint in orthotropic steel deck was carried out. The five methods used are surface stress extrapolation method (SSE), Haibach method, Xiao and Yamada method and CAB method. FEM analysis shows the five methods are mesh sensitive. Structural stress calculated using element type solid95 is larger than that of solid45. For fine and medium mesh model, structural stress calculated by Haibach method is larger than other methods, which means a lower fatigue life. Structural stress calculated by Yamada method is lower than other methods, which means a higher fatigue life than that calculated by other methods. For coarse mesh model, structure stress calculated by quadratic extrapolation method is larger than other methods, and, structural stress calculated by Yamada method is much lower than other methods.

scholarly journals In Situ Experimental Study on the Behavior of UHPC Composite Orthotropic Steel Bridge Deck

Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Su ◽  
Shilei Wang ◽  
Yan Gao ◽  
Jianlei Liu ◽  
Xudong Shao
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
High Performance Concrete ◽  
Fatigue Cracks ◽  
Steel Bridge ◽  
Orthotropic Steel Deck ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
In Situ Experiments ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Steel Deck

A novel ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) layer composite orthotropic steel deck was adopted in the construction of a new bridge in China to improve the fatigue performance of the orthotropic steel deck plate and reduce the disease of surface wearing layer. In situ experiments were conducted to study the UHPC layer’s impact on the behavior of the orthotropic steel deck. The test vehicle loads were applied on the deck plate before and after UHPC layer paving, the stresses where fatigue cracks usually occur and the deflections of critical sections were measured. The test results verified that the UHPC composite steel deck system could significantly reduce the stress of the rib-to-deck connection region and the stress at the bottom toe of rib-to-diaphragm weld. In addition, it slightly influenced the performance of U shape rib, girder web-to-deck and diaphragm cutout.

scholarly journals Nonlinear Optimization of Orthotropic Steel Deck System Based on Response Surface Methodology

Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Wei Huang ◽  
Minshan Pei ◽  
Xiaodong Liu ◽  
Chuang Yan ◽  
Ya Wei
Keyword(s):  
Response Surface Methodology ◽  
Response Surface ◽  
Nonlinear Optimization ◽  
Optimization Design ◽  
Bridge Deck ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Steel Bridge ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
Steel Deck

The steel bridge deck system, directly subjected to the vehicle load, is an important component to be considered in the optimization design of the bridges. Due to its complex structure, the design parameters are coupled with each other, and many fatigue details in the system result in time-consuming calculation during structure optimization. In view of this, a nonlinear optimization method based on the response surface methodology (RSM) is proposed in this study to simplify the design process and to reduce the amount of calculations during optimization. The optimization design of the steel bridge deck system with two-layer pavement on the top of the steel deck plate is taken as an example, the influence of eight structural parameters is considered. The Box-Behnken design is used to construct a sample space in which the eight structural parameters can be distributed evenly to reduce the calculation workload. The finite element method is used to model the mechanical responses of the steel bridge deck system. From the regression analysis by the RSM, the explicit relationships between the fatigue details and the design parameters can be obtained, based on which the nonlinear optimization design of the bridge deck system is conducted. The influence of constraint functions, objective functions, and optimization algorithms is also analyzed. The method proposed in this study is capable of considering the influence of different structural parameters and different optimization objectives according to the actual needs, which will effectively simplify the optimization design of the steel bridge deck system.

scholarly journals The acoustic specificity of steel-railway bridges

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (9) ◽  
pp. 38-45
Author(s):  
Lucjan Janas
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Pressure ◽  
The Other ◽  
Railway Bridges ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
Steel Deck

In the paper, the acoustic effects in the vicinity of four railway bridges have been studied. One of the objects has a track fastened directly to the steel deck plate, another has a deck in the form of an open grillage. The other two objects have a track situated on the ballast and various types of girders. The influence of the bridge on the level of acoustic pressure in the neighborhood of railway roads has been analyzed. General recommendations for the design of silent bridges were discussed.

scholarly journals Conception and Evolution of the Probabilistic Methods for Ship Damage Stability and Flooding Risk Assessment

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 667
Author(s):  
Dracos Vassalos ◽  
M. P. Mujeeb-Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Probabilistic Method ◽  
Probabilistic Methods ◽  
Full Description ◽  
Safety Level ◽  
Probability Of Survival ◽  
Damage Stability ◽  
Passenger Ships ◽  
Flooding Hazards ◽  
Flooding Risk

The paper provides a full description and explanation of the probabilistic method for ship damage stability assessment from its conception to date with focus on the probability of survival (s-factor), explaining pertinent assumptions and limitations and describing its evolution for specific application to passenger ships, using contemporary numerical and experimental tools and data. It also provides comparisons in results between statistical and direct approaches and makes recommendations on how these can be reconciled with better understanding of the implicit assumptions in the approach for use in ship design and operation. Evolution over the latter years to support pertinent regulatory developments relating to flooding risk (safety level) assessment as well as research in this direction with a focus on passenger ships, have created a new focus that combines all flooding hazards (collision, bottom and side groundings) to assess potential loss of life as a means of guiding further research and developments on damage stability for this ship type. The paper concludes by providing recommendations on the way forward for ship damage stability and flooding risk assessment.

Design of the Murray and Wolverine River rail bridges

1984 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 701-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Continuous Steel ◽  
Box Girder ◽  
Railway Bridges ◽  
Branch Line ◽  
Steel Box Girder ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
Bridge Steel

This paper describes the design of the Murray and Wolverine River rail bridges, two of the largest river crossings on British Columbia's Tumbler Ridge branch line. These unique railway bridges feature a single-cell, continuous steel box girder superstructure supported by pairs of steel delta legs. The top flange of the box girder is an orthotropic deck plate that is a part of the ballast containment trough. Stability of the delta legs is provided by posttensioning of their bases to the concrete substructure. Key words: rail bridge, steel box girder, steel delta legs, orthotropic deck, posttensioning.

Effective Width of Steel Deck-Plate in Bridges

1969 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 1459-1474
Author(s):  
George Abdel-Sayed
Keyword(s):  
Effective Width ◽  
Deck Plate ◽  
Steel Deck
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