A Time Domain Approach for Bridge Fatigue Considering the Effect of Multiple Vehicles at Random Passing Rate

Abstract

Bridges are lifeline structures in transportation network. Smooth flow of traffic through bridges is important consideration for socio-economic development of any regions. The bridges are generally designed with high factor of safety to cater for uncertainty in live load and material properties. With time, the structures may show various forms of degradation. This is mostly common where traffic growth is unexpectedly high and the structures are exposed to aggressive environment, which necessitates a more elaborate approach to estimate fatigue life in design phase itself. Burden of in-situ monitoring of crack growth may thus be reduced.