Fatigue Tests and Failure Mechanism of Rib-to-Deck Welded Joints in Steel Bridge

The fatigue cracks of rib-to-deck welded joints in an orthotropic steel deck are one the critical conundrums that restrict sustainable development bridges. Double-sided were achieved by introducing internal welding technology to overcome initial “crack-like” manufacturing defects at roots single-sided joints. Through observation macro-section joint, differences between welding, partial-penetration and full-penetration compared. Relying on Shenzhen–Zhongshan link, failure mechanism clarified nominal stress structural methods, those double-sided determined through tests. strength is higher than FAT90 Chinese standard FAT C American standard. significantly within a ± 2σ range main S-N curves method. It suggested adopt practice, ensure penetration rate beyond 80%. trial data limited, further tests needed confirm results.