Slip-resistant connections in hot-dip galvanized steel bridge constructions

摘要

Economic efficiency and sustainability in bridge construction are, in addition to the cost of new building, determined by the incurred maintenance costs. Hot-dip galvanized bridge constructions can achieve a corrosion protection period in the magnitude of their lifetime (= 100 years). Hot-dip galvanized steel structures are well established and state of the art for public and industrial buildings. Various research projects demonstrate hardly any losses on the fatigue strength compared to the non-galvanized steel components. Welded site joints of hot-dip galvanized components require a complex pre- and post-treatment of the corrosion protection. Nevertheless, on-site applied corrosion protection cannot reach the protection durability of a hot-dip galvanizing. This technological restriction can be avoided by the use of hot-dip galvanized bolted connections. Slip-resistant pre-stressed connections are proved successful in steel bridge construction. Major scientific investigations are not yet available for the use of slip-resistant connections for hot-dip galvanized joints. Technical and scientific foundations for the application of hot-dip galvanized bolted connections in cyclically loaded steel and composite bridge constructions, based on the European standard for steel constructions, are investigated within the scope of a research project at the MPA. The provision of construction and design recommendations is the goal of this project.