A Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis Approach for Gusset Plate Connections of Steel Truss Bridges
A new approach is proposed for estimating structural capacity of gusset plate connections of steel truss bridges. The approach involves nonlinear refined analysis of a truss model, consisting of a single truss made of shell elements for two gusset plates at a subject connection and frame elements for truss members. Connectors (bolts or rivets) are excluded from the proposed model in order to simply the model, with the knowledge that their associated failure modes can be addressed by simplified design calculations. Only yielding and buckling failure modes of gusset plates are considered. The new approach is calibrated by comparison with laboratory test data from National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 12-84. The primary intent of this paper’s approach is to reduce the complexity of the refined analysis developed under this NCHRP project and make it more user-friendly to load rating engineers seeking accurate estimation of gusset plate capacity. Further, an imperfection sensitivity curve characterizing reduction in capacity as a function of lateral imperfection (gusset plate out-of-plumpness) in gusset plate geometry is introduced as an added tool for the load rating engineer, providing more confidence in capacity estimation. Based on a limited case study, the proposed refined analysis provides an estimate of gusset plate capacity that is approximately equal to capacity calculated by the truncated Whitmore method of the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation. In other words, the proposed approach validates the truncated Whitmore method as compared to the more conservative partial shear method of this AASHTO Manual.
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Supplemental Notes:
- This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AKB20 Standing Committee on Steel Bridges.
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Corporate Authors:
Transportation Research Board
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Authors:
- Mohammadi, Alireza
- Najjar, Walid S
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Conference:
- Transportation Research Board 100th Annual Meeting
- Location: Washington DC, United States
- Date: 2021-1-5 to 2021-1-29
- Date: 2021
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 13p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bearing capacity; Buckling; Finite element method; Gusset plates; Load factor; Steel bridges; Structural connection; Truss bridges; Yield strength
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01764421
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: TRBAM-21-03628
- Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
- Created Date: Feb 4 2021 4:48PM