Assessment of deformation in bridge bearing areas using measurements and welding simulation

Deformations of bottom flanges in the vicinity bridge bearings, i.e., bearing areas, due to manufacturing and loading can result serious problems service life damages superstructures structural bearings coming from nonuniform stress distribution. The paper focuses on out-of-flatness measurement areas using Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) typical steel composite bridges having box open cross-sections. Advanced simulations are also carried out addition site measurements analyse imperfections welding during assembly strengthening a superstructure. A qualitative comparison is made with results showing that magnitudes simulated measured distortions good agreement. Results evaluated accordance permitted total deformation limit EN 1337–2 recommended for spherical bearings. current study uses novel approach field engineering; analogy Abbott-Firestone curve applied describing deformed shape evaluating extent defects contact area since magnitude imperfection not inevitably sufficient classifying surfaces. Based obtained it demonstrated additional transverse stiffeners superstructure large distortions. Even exceed resulting distribution sliding elements affecting wear resistance