Fatigue load model of orthotropic steel deck for port highway in China

Vehicle load is an important factor for the fatigue damage of orthotropic steel decks. The traffic vehicles port highway in China are mainly multi-axle container trucks, which show different characteristics from conventional highways. Based on multi-period flow data collected by weight-in-motion system a bridge over sea Zhejiang, China, this study has investigated bridge. Eight typical spectrum classified according to number axles and wheelbase. distribution gross vehicle weight (GVW) axle weights analyzed lane. Depended equivalent principle, evaluation bridges established. results that average proportion trucks (weighing greater than 3 tons) total 73.2%, with more four-axle accounted 89.0%. Heavy concentrated outer lanes, probability driving heavy lane increases increase weight. maximum 62.5 tons, appeared V7 exiting island direction. simplified model Chinese proposed, based six-axle contributed most damage. proposed can better represent actual level China.