Full-scale fatigue simulation of the deterioration mechanism of reinforced concrete road bridge slabs under dry and wet conditions

This study investigates the deterioration process and mechanism of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs in road bridges under dry stagnant water (wet) conditions. Previous studies used a simple-plate model (SPM) to predict fatigue life RC decks by considering conservative assumptions for safer assessment different environmental processes. To obtain more detailed analysis clarify result mechanism, full-scale superstructure realistic bridge is this study. The simulation results reveal differences between (FSM) SPM due size effects boundary findings also demonstrate that failure FSM simulations differs wet In cases, damage easily occurs at bottom surface slab. However, horizontal cracks disintegration occur below top near upper rebar layer slab during early stage over very short time period, which cannot be visually investigated according current inspection regulations. These successfully reproduce phenomenon occurred on site, indicates credibility simulation. Then effect two wheel-loading studied assess continuity adjacent panels. provides useful reference rational design maintenance bridges.