Stress distribution on the real corrosion surface of the orthotropic steel bridge deck

Abstract

This study evaluated the localized stress condition of the real corroded deck surface of an orthotropic steel bridge because severe corrosion damage on the deck surface and fatigue cracking were reported. Thus, a three-dimensional finite element (FE) analysis model was created based on measurements of the corroded orthotropic steel deck surface to examine the stress level dependence on the corrosion condition. Based on the FE analysis results, it could be confirmed that a high stress concentration and irregular stress distribution can develop on the deck surface. The stress level was also increased by approximately 1.3-1.5 times as a result of the irregular corroded surface. It was concluded that this stress concentration could increase the possibility of fatigue cracking in the deck surface because of the surface roughness of the orthotropic steel bridge deck.