Fatigue analysis of a pre-fabricated orthotropic steel deck for light-weight vehicles

An orthotropic steel deck designed for carrying light-weight vehicles was investigated to assess its fatigue life. Fracture mechanics analysis was performed with consideration of pre-existing flaws at the fatigue-sensitive region. Three-level models were used to accurately evaluate the stress-intensity factors at the rib-to-diaphragm connection. The crack growth was simulated by numerical integration of the Paris formula. In order to assess the severity of pre-existing flaws at the welded joint of the rib-to-diaphragm connection, the fatigue life of the deck was investigated with different sizes of initial crack. This approach provides a rational quality assessment method for the orthotropic steel deck.

Research highlights
► A research on fatigue of an orthotropic steel deck for light-weight vehicles.
► Fracture mechanics was applied with three-level model analysis.
► Crack growth was simulated by numerical integration of the Paris formula.
► Fatigue life of the deck was investigated with different initial crack sizes.
► Rational quality assessment method for orthotropic steel deck was introduced.