Mechanical Characteristics of Steel Bellows as Energy Absorbing Bridge Connecters during Stationary and Seismic Phase

Abstract

In this paper, mechanical characteristics of steel bellows as energy absorbing bridge connecters are investigated. Steel bellows are connected between girders or between girders and abutments in order to reduce the damage of steel girders. Bending and shearing examinations, and the repeated-load examination for axial and transverse directions are carried out using the small partial model with the slit in the bolt joint. Stable sliding was reproduced in the process of the repeated-load of the axial direction, and after sliding occurred at the joint, the large strains of the steel bellows were reduced and low cycle fatigue life was improved. Design formulas concerning the yield strength and yield displacement of steel bellows for transverse directions are developed based on the principle of virtual work. The values obtained by the design formulas are compared with calculated values by FEM and their accuracy are confirmed.