Abstract
By utilizing ripple web (waveform), high degree of shear buckling strength can be obtained. Therefore it is possible to reduce the thickness of the web. As the lighter self-weight of the superstructure is attained, the economic efficiency of the bridge is obviously achieved. Furthermore if the high strength steel is used for the lower flange, this new structural type provides more economical design for bridges. However, in girder bridges with ripple web, high stress concentration occurs at the welded joint between the corrugated web and lower flange. It is thought that this stress concentration would cause fatigue problems. In this research, stress conditions and fatigue performance of girder bridges with ripple web were discussed by using FEM analysis and static loading tests and fatigue tests for large-scale specimens.
