Bending Fatigue Test on Welded Joint between Vertical Stiffener and Deck Plate

Abstract

Fatigue tests in plate bending type were carried out for orthotropic steel deck plate with fillet welded vertical stiffener. Such detail is prone to fatigue cracks when it is subjected towheel loads in service. Fatigue crack initiates and propagates from fillet weld toe, and propagates around the end weld. Then, fatigue crack propagate to deck plate perpendicular to applied stress ranges. Fatigue life increased by drilling hole of 100mm diameter to reduce stress concentration at vertical stiffener ends, or by grinding fillet weld toe.