Flange-to-flange double-tee connections subjected to vehicular loading, part 1: Numerical assessment approach

摘要

A PCI-funded research effort was conducted to assess the fatigue resistance of welded flange-to-flange connections used in double-tee precast concrete construction. The connection consists of steel connectors embedded in the edges of adjacent precast concrete double-tee flanges welded together using a steel jumper plate and fillet welds. Variations of this connection have been used for over 50 years with success. The strength limit states of this connection have been explored in detail, but the stresses in the connection at cyclic service load levels are not well understood. The research effort presented here was conducted specifically to quantify the fatigue resistance of these connections to the repeated loading typical of parking structure service demands. A two-part series of articles was developed to summarize methods that can be used to accurately analyze and assess the fatigue life of these connections. This paper examines numerical methods that can be used to determine the state of stress in the weld under service loads. The ability to accurately determine the stresses in the weld can be combined with a vehicular load spectrum and a suitable fatigue-life curve for the fillet weld detail to obtain a realistic assessment of the fatigue life of connections.