Fatigue Strength and Evaluation of Sign Structures. Volume I: Analysis and Evaluation

This report is a two-volume final report presenting the findings of the research work that was undertaken to evaluate the fatigue behavior of sign structures and, based on that evaluation, to recommend an inspection plan that can be effectively used to detect and minimize possible deterioration due to wind induced loadings of sign structures. The study included a number of signs that are commonly used in Indiana: single-mastarm and double-mastarm cantilever sign structures, box-truss sign structures, tri-chord sign structures, and monotube sign structures. Sign structures with typical dimensions and details were selected as prototypes for each of the various types of sign structures in the study and were subjected to various wind loading environments. The predicted fatigue behavior of the sign structures was used to identify the types of signs and the structural details that were most susceptible to fatigue damage. This information was used to develop an inspection guideline that provides information on where to look during an inspection for fatigue damage. An inspection plan was formulated by using a crack propagation analysis to evaluate crack growth under the most critical wind loading environment. Based on these analyses, an inspection period of four years was recommended for single and double mastarm cantilever sign structures (Class A) and an eight year inspection cycle was recommended for box-truss, tri-chord, and monotube sign structures.

• Record URL:
  http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1732&context=jtrp
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Purdue University/Indiana Department of Transportation JHRP

  Purdue University, School of Civil Engineering
  West Lafayette, IN  United States  47907-1284

  Indiana Department of Transportation

  100 N Senate Avenue
  Indianapolis, IN  United States  46204

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Li, Xurjun
  • Whalen, Timothy M
  • Bowman, Mark D
• Publication Date: 2006-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Final Report
• Pagination: 133p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cracking; Fatigue strength; Service life; Structural deterioration and defects; Traffic control devices; Traffic signs; Wind; Wind shear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Remaining life analysis
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01104349
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/IN/JTRP-2006/16
• Contract Numbers: SPR-2494
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 17 2008 9:24AM