DOI

10.5703/1288284313378

Abstract

This report is the first of a two-volume final report presenting the findings of the research work that was undertaken to evaluate the fatigue behavior of steel highway bridges on the extra heavy weight truck corridor in Northwest Indiana. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the type and magnitude of the loads that travel along the corridor and then assess the effect of those loads on the fatigue strength of the steel bridge structures on the corridor. This volume presents the results of the experimental field study conducted to evaluate the load and load effects on one steel bridge structure on the corridor. A weigh-in-motion (WIM) system was installed near the bridge structure to evaluate the loads that would cross over the bridge being monitored. Strain values were monitored on two spans of the ten-span continuous bridge being evaluated. Comparisons were then made between strain measurements in particular girders and strain values predicted using the measured truck axle weights. The WIM data indicated that 15% of the Class 9 trucks and 26% of the Class 13 trucks travel heavier than their respective legal limits. Extreme weights of more than 200,000 lbs were observed. In spite of the heavy truck loads being carried, it was found that less than 1 percent of the trucks induce a strain range that exceeds the variable amplitude fatigue limit of the fatigue critical details in the structure being monitored. Lastly, it was found that three-dimensional analytical models provide the best agreement between predicted and measured strain values in the bridge.

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2005/16-1

Keywords

fatigue, bridge, steel, girder, heavy truck, Michigan train truck, weigh-in-motion, strain measurements, remaining life, SPR-2385

SPR Number

2385

Project Number

C-36-56DDD

File Number

7-4-55

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, IN

Date of this Version

2006

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