Structural behaviour of a high tensile steel deck using trapezoidal stiffeners and dynamics of vehicle-deck interactions

This paper presents analysis and discussions on static and dynamic behaviour of a high tensile steel deck designed with trapezoidal stiffeners. First, a finite element model of the deck structure is created. The influence of support condition for the longitudinal girders, and the contact area between the vehicle tyre and panel were analysed. The results from modal analysis of the structure under different load conditions are presented. The different load conditions comprise the unloaded and loaded deck, and the load type, i.e. cargo loads or vehicle loads (car loads or truck loads). From the frequency response analysis under harmonic excitation, it shows how the locations and numbers of cars parked on the deck influence the dynamic response of the structure. Furthermore, by studying the car-deck interaction, it is found that the effects of normal cargo loads are quite different from the vehicle loads due to the spring/damping effects of the vehicles. It is suggested that the carloads have a similar mechanism to that of tuned mass dampers. Finally, two transient analyses of the structure due to excitations transferred from deck supports and lorry braking-induced loading are performed. It is suggested that the deck structure and vehicle design could have more interactions with each other.