Dynamic stress analysis for fatigue damage prognosis of long-span bridges

For fatigue damage prognosis of a long-span steel bridge, the dynamic stress analysis of critical structural components of the bridge under the future dynamic vehicle loading is essential. This paper thus presents a framework of dynamic stress analysis for fatigue damage prognosis of long-span steel bridges under the future dynamic vehicle loading. The multi-scale finite element (FE) model of the bridge is first developed using shell/plate elements to simulate the critical structural components (local models) and using beam/truss elements to simulate the rest part of the bridge (global model). With the appropriate coupling of the global and local models, the multi-scale FE model can accurately capture simultaneously not only the global behavior in terms of displacement and acceleration but also the local behavior in terms of stress and strain. A vehicle traffic load model is then developed for forecasting the future vehicle loading based on the recorded weigh-in-motion (WIM) data and using the agent-based traffic flow microsimulation. The forecasted future vehicle loading is finally applied on the multi-scale model of a real long-span cable-stayed bridge for dynamic stress analysis and fatigue damage prognosis. The obtained results show that the proposed framework is effective and accurate for dynamic stress analysis and fatigue damage prognosis.     

Multi-scale fatigue damage prognosis for long-span steel bridges under vehicle loading

Fatigue damage prognosis for long-span steel bridges is of the utmost importance in bridge maintenance and management. In this study, a multi-scale fatigue damage prognosis algorithm is developed to calculate the trans-scale fatigue damage accumulation of newly-built long-span steel bridges under vehicle loading. The necessity and procedure of establishing a multi-scale finite element (FE) model of a newly-built long-span bridge for fatigue damage prognosis are first introduced. The future vehicle loading on the bridge is forecasted using the recorded weigh-in-motion (WIM) data and the agent-based traffic flow micro-simulation method. Then, the multi-scale fatigue damage prognosis algorithm is developed based on the multi-scale FE model and using the future vehicle loading. Finally, the proposed algorithm is applied to a newly-built long-span cable-stayed bridge for the time period from 2010 to 2020. The results show that the macro-scale fatigue damage accumulation and micro-scale short crack evolution of the critical components of the bridge can be simultaneously predicted and visualized. The proposed algorithm can be used as a numerical tool for fatigue damage prognosis of steel bridges where (or near where) WIM station is installed.     

Statistical analysis of online strain response and its application in fatigue assessment of a long-span steel bridge

This paper covers reliability assessment of the fatigue life of a bridge-deck section based on the statistical analysis of the strain–time histories measured by the structural health monitoring system permanently installed on the long-span steel bridge under study. Through statistical analysis of online strain responses in the frequency domain using multiple linear regression, a representative block of daily cycles of strain history is obtained. It is further assumed that all cycles of online strain response during bridge service are repetitions of the representative block. The rain-flow counting method is then used to determine the stress spectrum of the representative block of daily cycles. The primary assessment of fatigue life at a given value of failure probability is undertaken for the sample component in a bridge-deck section by using the classification of details for welded bridge components and the associated statistical fatigue model provided by the British Standard BS5400. In order to evaluate bridge fatigue at any value of failure probability, a modified probability model is proposed based on BS5400. The fatigue life of the considered component in the bridge-deck section is then evaluated for some other values of probability of failure which are not included in BS5400 by use of the modified probability model. The analytical results show that the modified model is practical for reliable evaluation of the service life of existing bridges under random traffic loading.     

State-of-the-art of long-span bridge engineering in China

This paper introduces the state-of-the-art of longspan bridge engineering in China with emphases on recent long-span bridge projects, bridge deck configuration and material, design codes of long-span bridges and improvement of aerodynamic performance. The recent long-span bridge projects include thirty-eight completed suspension bridges, cable-stayed and arch bridges with a main span over 400 m, and eighteen major bridges are under construction. The bridge deck configuration and material, with prestressed concrete decks, steel-concrete composite decks and steel box decks together with several popular cross-sections, are presented. The third part briefly outlines four design codes, including static and dynamic design for highway long-span bridges, and the recent engineering experiences gained from several aerodynamic vibration control projects of long-span bridges are shared in the last part.     

大跨度自锚式悬索桥的动力特性分析

以钱江九桥和青岛海湾桥大沽河航道桥两座自锚式悬索桥为例,用通用有限元软件ANSYS建立了大桥的三维有限元动力计算模型,对大桥进行了静力和动力计算分析,发现存在多阶拉索振动振型并对此现象进行了分析,为大跨度自锚式悬索桥的设计、施工提供了参考。     

Application of new damage indicator-based sequential law for remaining fatigue life estimation of railway bridges

Miner’s rule is generally accepted as the fatigue criteria for life estimation of railway bridges. Similarly, it has always been acknowledged as a simplification that is easy to use in design where detailed loading history is unknown. But in the case of existing railway bridges where the detailed loading history is known, Miner’s rule might provide incorrect results because of its omission of load sequence effect. Recently, a new damage indicator-based sequential law has been proposed to capture the load sequence effect more precisely. However, application of this sequential law to estimate the remaining fatigue lives of existing railway bridges has not been properly studied. Therefore, the major objective of this paper is to estimate the remaining fatigue life of a railway bridge using the sequential law and hence introduces a new approach to estimate remaining fatigue life of riveted railway bridges. This approach is specially based on combination of real stress histories, sequential law and fully known Wöhler curve. The practice of sequential law to obtain the remaining fatigue lives due to both uniaxial and multiaxial stresses are described by estimating remaining life of a considered railway bridge. Further, the obtained fatigue lives are compared with Miner’s estimations. Hence it could be concluded that it is advisable to apply the sequential law for assessment of remaining fatigue lives of riveted railway bridges, where the detailed stress histories are known.     

Fatigue behavior and statistical evaluation of the stress category for a steel-concrete composite bridge deck

The maintenance cost of bridges is rapidly increasing since many existing bridges are deteriorating or reaching their design life all over the world. Moreover, as many long-span bridges are under construction and planning in Korea, research and development on bridge decks with high load-resistance capacity as well as high fatigue strength has become a growing concern. This research gives experimental results of the fatigue behavior of a new-type of steel-concrete composite bridge deck being developed under such circumstances. The proposed composite bridge deck consists of corrugated steel plate, welded steel ribs, stud shear connectors, and reinforced concrete filler. Fatigue tests were conducted under a four-point bending test with four different stress ranges in constant amplitude. In order to determine the influence of the concrete filling, fatigue tests on partial steel specimens containing only plain corrugated steel plates were performed in advance. The partial steel specimens and the steel-concrete composite deck specimens both showed fatigue failure in the tension part concerning the fillet welding part between the corrugated steel plate and steel rib. Finally, the stress category of the fillet welding part of each specimen is evaluated based on a statistical approach of Albrecht’s probability model. The research concludes that the fatigue behavior of such steel-concrete composite decks under sagging moment can be estimated based on the classical S-N approach, focusing on steel components.     

Advanced dynamic finite element analysis of a skew steel railway bridge

The aim of this paper is to present advanced modelling techniques for dynamic analysis of steel railway bridges. Finite element analyses of a case study skew bridge are carried out and the results are compared with available field measurements. Initially, eigenvalue analyses of different models are carried out in order to obtain the fundamental mode shapes and bridge frequencies and to assess the capability of each model to capture the dynamic behaviour of the bridge. Single-span, three-span and full bridge models are investigated with different elements such as shell, beam and combinations of these. A very good agreement between the fundamental dynamic properties of the bridge and empirical results is found. Following the eigenvalue analyses, time history dynamic analyses are carried out using the full bridge model. The analyses are carried out for different train speeds and the strain histories are compared with available field measurements. In terms of fatigue assessment, the mean stress range values obtained from the strain histories at selected locations on the bridge members are also compared to each other. The results show that a full bridge model using a combination of beam and shell elements is a reasonably accurate and computationally efficient way of capturing the dynamic behaviour of a bridge and estimating the mean stress range for fatigue damage calculations.     

Parametric study on buffeting performance of a long-span triple-tower suspension bridge

The triple-tower suspension bridge is a brand new type of structural form that is equipped with a dominant mid-tower. The dynamic characteristics of this multiple main-span suspension bridge present a significant difference with that of the conventional single main-span suspension bridge. Hence, taking the Taizhou Yangtze River Bridge as an example, the buffeting performance of a long-span triple-tower suspension bridge under strong winds is comprehensively investigated via finite element method. Specifically, the sensitivity of structural buffeting performance to some major structural parameters, aerodynamic parameters as well as parameters of turbulence inputs is analysed in time domain. It was found that the structural buffeting performance heavily depends on the dead load of the main girder, sag-to-span ratio of the main cable, longitudinal stiffness and structural type of the mid-tower. Also, appropriate selection of aerodynamic admittance function, power spectrum model of fluctuating wind and the spatial coherence coefficient is important in the buffeting analysis. Besides, the self-excited forces have small impact on the calculation of buffeting responses of such a bridge. The analytical results can provide references for the buffeting analyses and wind-resistant design of similar long-span triple-tower suspension bridges.     

混合式桥型对超长跨桥梁的适应性

本文对中跨为2500m的混合型斜拉悬索桥的进行了初步设计,构想了三种斜拉悬索桥和一种悬索桥桥式。从初步设计结果中比较它们上部结构钢材的重量发现,考虑到下部结构尺寸,斜拉悬索桥相对悬索桥具有优越性。另外,对这几种型式的桥梁进行了抗弯稳定性分析以及耦合颤振分析。分析结果表明,斜拉悬索桥抗弯稳定性是足够的,而且其临界风速高于悬索桥的临界风速。所以,作者认为针对超长跨度桥梁混合型斜拉悬索桥赛过悬索桥     

大跨度非对称悬索桥振动基频的参数敏感性分析

为了研究大跨度非对称悬索桥的动力特性,基于ANSYS软件建立了某大跨度主缆不等高支承悬索桥的三维有限元模型。在计算自振频率时考虑了表征结构非对称的参数,进行了前20阶模态分析,并分析了矢跨比、结构非对称参数、加劲梁抗弯刚度及主塔抗弯刚度等关键结构参数对其振动频率的影响。研究结果表明：不同的参数对非对称悬索桥振动基频的敏感性不同,一阶竖弯和扭转频率随矢跨比的增大减小,相对于正对称的振动频率,反对称的频率对矢跨比参数更敏感;非对称悬索桥的一阶反对称竖弯和扭转基频不受非对称结构参数的影响,而正对称竖弯和扭转基频随非对称结构参数的增大而减小;一阶横弯的自振频率对加劲梁刚度的变化非常敏感,当加劲梁的抗弯刚度增加到原来的3倍时,结构原有的振型次序发生了改变,但主塔抗弯刚度参数的变化对结构各向频率的影响很小,研究结果可为非对称悬索桥的结构设计和动力分析提供参考。     

A pseudo-microsimulation approach for modelling congested traffic loading on long-span bridges

This paper investigates congested traffic loading on long-span bridges through the use of traffic microsimulation. Six months of Weigh-In-Motion free-flow traffic data (including cars) are used as input for the microsimulation of congested traffic. Key parameters that affect traffic loading are identified in the output of the microsimulation, and these parameters form the basis for a more computationally efficient ‘pseudo-microsimulation of congested traffic’ (PMCT) model. This PMCT model is shown to replicate the traffic loading from full microsimulation accurately and allows long-run simulations, equivalent to 1000 years of congested traffic, to be performed with an acceptably short duration. This reduces the significant uncertainties associated with extrapolating short-run simulation results to long return periods. The 1000-year simulated results from the PMCT are compared with the extrapolated results from full microsimulation, and with the traffic loading from some design codes, for different bridge lengths. Both types of microsimulation are also applied to calculate maximum lifetime loading for two typical long-span bridges – one cable-stayed and one suspension bridge – using influence lines determined from finite-element models.     

Investigation on aerodynamic stability of long-span suspension bridges under erection

The aerodynamic stability of long-span suspension bridge under erection, particularly at early erection stage, is more problematic than in the final state. It is influenced by the deck erection sequence and the nonlinear effects of wind-structure interactions. Considering the geometric nonlinearity of bridge structures and the nonlinear effects of wind-structure interactions, a method of nonlinear aerodynamic stability analysis is presented to predicate the aerodynamic stability limit (flutter speed) of long-span suspension bridges during erection. Taking the Yichang Bridge over the Yangtze River as example, evolutions of flutter speeds with the deck erected by different sequences are numerically generated. The sequences of pylons to midspan and the non-symmetrical deck erection are confirmed analytically to be aerodynamically favorable for the deck erection of long-span suspension bridges, particularly at early erection stages. The flutter speeds of long-span suspension bridges under erection are greatly decreased by the nonlinear effects of wind-structure interactions.     

特大跨径钢管混凝土拱桥成桥荷载试验

为检验拱桥的受力状况和承载能力是否符合设计要求,对特大跨径钢管混凝土拱桥进行了成桥荷载试验。建立钢管混凝土拱桥的三维有限元模型,对桥梁在设计荷载作用下的结构变形和内力进行了验算。同时为考虑试验过程中温度对桥梁变形和应力的影响,对拱桥进行温度实时监测,获得温度变形和温度应力关系睦线,基于得到的温度修正曲线进行了桥梁在实际加载条件下的变形和应力修正。试验结果表明：桥梁的刚度满足设计要求。     

大跨度两铰钢拱桥面内结构设计计算方法

大跨度拱桥具有显著的几何非线性力学行为,按线性设计理论不能满足安全要求,考虑由拱肋变形产生的附加弯矩和精确推算结构的稳定强度是设计中的重要课题。以两铰钢拱桥为对象,提出了考虑非线性影响以及高精度稳定强度的拱桥结构设计方法,以跨度160 m和200 m的两桥计算模型为例,验证了按非线性理论设计的必要性以及本设计方法的合理性,分析结果表明按线性计算方法和弹性稳定理论不能精确评价结构的受力特性和强度。     

Probabilistic dynamic behavior of a long-span bridge under extreme events

In addition to moderate wind and normal traffic scenarios, it is known that some extreme events may also occur on long-span bridges. These extreme events may include complex traffic congestion on the bridge, coupled with moderate or even strong wind. It is known that the excessive dynamic response and stress level of the bridge under these rare but critical scenarios, even for a very short period, may cause critical damage initiation or accumulation on some local bridge members. In addition to accelerating damages, the extreme events (e.g. heavy traffic) may even trigger the hazardous collapse of a whole bridge in some rare cases, especially when some hidden damage or design flaw has not been detected. Therefore, even though the extreme cases associated with congested traffic and/or windy weather are relatively rare, it is important for bridge engineers to appropriately look into these unusual extreme events during design and life-time management. By applying the general Bridge/Traffic/Wind coupled analysis methodology, the present study focuses on (1) conducting the cellular automaton (CA)-based traffic flow simulation of a long-span bridge and connecting roadways under incidental situations, (2) defining representative scenarios for the extreme events, and (3) numerically studying the bridge performance under these possible extreme events. By conducting studies on a comprehensive set of possible scenarios, it is anticipated that better understanding of extreme events of long-span bridges from the perspectives of strength and serviceability design will be achieved, which may contribute to the future design specification about long-span bridges. The proposed methodology will also offer a reasonable framework to replicate probabilistic traffic flow, characterize dynamic interaction and assess structural performance under those rare but critical situations integrally.     

大跨径钢桥面铺装体系多目标优化设计

将大跨径钢桥的正交异性钢桥面和其上的铺装层作为钢桥面铺装体系整体进行多目标优化设计。取大跨径钢桥面铺装体系造价及铺装层表面极限应力最小化两类指标构造目标函数,在此基础上建立多目标优化设计的数学模型。采用评价函数中的线性加权和法进行求解,开发了钢桥面铺装体系结构多目标优化设计程序,以国内某大跨径钢桥为对象,采用多目标优化设计方法,给出钢桥面铺装体系中各参数的合理界限。应用国际通用有限元软件SPA93程序对其进行验证,结果表明,应用多目标优化设计方法对大跨径钢桥面铺装体系设计是可行的。研究成果可为大跨径钢桥面铺装体系结构的设计提供理论依据。     

System reliability of suspension bridges

Provisions for the design of existing suspension bridges often rely on a deterministic basis. Consequently, the reliability of these bridges cannot be assessed if current provisions are applied. In order to develop cost-effective design and maintenance strategies for suspension bridges a system reliability-based approach has to be used. This is accomplished by a probabilistic finite element geometrically nonlinear analysis approach. This study forms part of an investigation into the system reliability evaluation of geometrically nonlinear large span bridges recently undertaken at the University of Colorado. A brief review of reliability analysis of geometrically nonlinear elastic structures allows for the determination of its relevance to the assessment of suspension bridges. A probabilistic finite element geometrically nonlinear elastic code is used for system reliability evaluation of suspension structures. The allowable stress design procedures used by the Honshu Shikoku Bridge Authority for the design of suspension bridges are presented along with their application to the design of an existing bridge. This bridge is studied from a system reliability viewpoint to evaluate its reliability under different loading and damage scenarios. Such information calls attention to the fact that the reliability of cables, hanger ropes and girders are very different. Therefore, optimal maintenance decisions for suspension bridges designed according to allowable stress method are not consistent with those based on equal component reliability values.     

Assessment of the dynamic and fatigue behaviour of the Panaro railway steel bridge

The functionality maintenance of European infrastructures like bridges is acquiring more and more importance due to the huge economic losses related to the interruption of their regular service. In particular, fatigue represents one of the most common failure modes occurring in steel and steel–concrete composite bridges: most failures in steel structures are related to fracture and fatigue. Railway bridges endure millions of stress cycles during their life and they are expected to be highly vulnerable to such phenomena. Phenomena like ‘vibration induced’ and ‘distortion induced’ fatigue are still partially uncovered by actual design codes and they represent critical aspects for the assessment of existing bridge remaining life and for the design of new bridges. The European research project FADLESS ‘Fatigue damage control and assessment for railways bridges’, funded by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel, aims at defining innovative technical guidelines for the assessment and control of existing and new bridges with regard to fatigue phenomena induced by vibrations and distortions produced by train passages. The project combines experimental and numerical techniques to study fatigue cracking induced by vibration and distortion phenomena taking into account the dynamic train–bridge interaction effects and the actual traffic spectra on European railway lines. In the present paper, preliminary analyses performed on the Italian case study, the Panaro Bridge, are being reported upon. Results obtained by standard fatigue assessment according to Eurocode rules were compared with the actual fatigue cracks found in the deck secondary components. A preliminary critical review of adopted fatigue assessment methodologies was carried out. Moreover, experimental tests were designed and performed on the bridge in order to identify global and local vibration modes and to evaluate the strain time-histories under train passages of critical details. Finally, experimental global/local mode shapes were compared to numerical results from the preliminary FE bridge model.     

筒网状空间缆索体系的平拉式人行悬索桥的探讨

本文依据超大跨径平拉式人行悬索桥的抗风稳定性要求,提出一种筒网状空间缆索体系的平拉式人行景观悬索桥的结构体系,将传统平拉式悬索桥的平行主缆,改进为分散的单叶双曲面空间缆索,提高其自振扭转频率和扭弯频率比。结合西藏某峡谷200m人行景观悬索桥,进行工程参数设计,建立Midas有限元分析模型,开展动力模态分析研究,验证筒网状平拉式人行景观悬索桥抗风稳定性的优越性。