Analysis of Stress Distribution in Link Plates Used for Suspending Bridge Beams
This report investigates the stress distribution in link plates with varying amounts of material behind the link plate pins. The link plates of I-94 EB over Norfolk Southern Railroad and Portage Creek, Bridge ID R02-39022, were not fabricated in accordance with AASHTO bridge design code due to less than the required amount of material behind the pin. These link plates were modeled, along with a similarly sized link plate with the required amount of material behind the pin, using finite element analysis verified by full scale tensile testing. End-of-plate stresses were found to increase dramatically as material behind the pin was removed; stresses immediately adjacent to the pin increased significantly, the overall yield and ultimate capacity decreased, and the mid-plate stresses remained relatively unchanged. The link plates of R02-39022 were removed and replaced with correctly sized link plates; one of the salvaged plates was tested and found to have yielded and entered the strain hardening region. A method of estimating effective stresses in link plates with less than the required amount of material behind the pin was developed.
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Corporate Authors:
Michigan Department of Transportation
Construction and Technology Division, P.O. Box 30049
Lansing, MI United States 48909 -
Authors:
- Jansson, Peter O
- Publication Date: 2008-9
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Web
- Edition: Final Report
- Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 34p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Anchor plates; Bending stress; Bridge design; Finite element method; Pins; Steel plates; Tensile strength
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01115027
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: R-1517
- Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Nov 25 2008 7:31AM