FATIGUE STRENGTH OF WEATHERED AND DETERIORATED RIVETED MEMBERS. FINAL REPORT

This report describes a study that has been performed on the fatigue and fracture resistance of corroded and deteriorated riveted members. A detailed literature study is included which examines available test data on the fatigue behavior of riveted members. The most important variables on the fatigue strength of such members have been determined as well as the way and to what extent they influence the fatigue life. The previous test programs provided no information on the applicability of the Category D fatigue limit and little on riveted connections other than simple splices. Well tightened rivets and normal bearing conditions provided a fatigue resistance equivalent to Category C at stress ranges above 12 ksi. Fatigue tests were carried out on fix 80 year old steel bridge stringers with a riveted built-up cross-section. The stringers were significantly corroded along the compression flange proved and locally at the tension flange. They were subjected to stress ranges that were between the fatigue limits provided for Categories C and D. The corroded region of the tension flange proved to be the most severe detail, varying between Categories C and E. The Category D fatigue limit appears applicable to riveted details. The reduction of the compression flange had no effect on the performance of the member. A frictional bond between sectoin components had a beneficial effect on the fatigue life. Significant numbers of cyclic stresses were also resisted after failure of one of the riveted components. A series of reduced temperature tests on one cracked stringer did not induce fracture of the component. These tests and the behavior observed during the fatigue tests confirmed the redundancy of riveted built-up sections fabricated from mild steel A second stringer was fractured after all the components had significant fatigue cracks. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Lehigh University

  Fritz Engineering Laboratory
  Bethlehem, PA  United States  18015

  Federal Highway Administration

  Office of Research, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Out, JMM
  • Fisher, J W
  • Yen, B T
• Publication Date: 1984-10

Media Info

• Pagination: 138 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bonds; Bridge members; Compression; Corrosion; Fatigue strength; Flanges; Fracture mechanics; Friction; Rivets
• Old TRIS Terms: Resistance
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I34: Steels and Metals;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00395928
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/OST/P-34/85/016, Fritz Lab 483-3(84), FCP 35K2-122
• Contract Numbers: DTRS5682-C-00013
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 28 1986 12:00AM