Evaluation of Fatigue Tests and Design Criteria on Welded Details

摘要

The report contains the findings of a study that was performed to assess the validity of the present fatigue design provisions in the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges. From the review, a new set of fatigue design curves has been recommended that better estimates the fatigue resistance of welded bridge details. Each of the fatigue curves has been normalized to a constant slope of -3.0. A new fatigue curve, Category B', has been added to better estimate the fatigue strength of partial penetration longitudinal groove welds and longitudinal welds with backing bars. Additionally, the fatigue design criteria for nonredundant members were revised to provide a more rational and consistent set of criteria.