FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH IN ASTM A-517 TYPE STEELS

The results of a series of fatigue tests on 14 precracked compact tension specimens sampled from three heats of steel plate are presented. Although all three heats generally complied with ASTM Designation: A-517, they possessed a wide range of fracture toughness. The primary objective of the research was to determine if there is merit to a relationship between crack growth rate, fracture toughness and stress ratio in a fatigue environment simulating a cracked girder flange. The cyclic load levels were chosen to represent dead and live load stresses that would be expected in a bridge flange designed with 100 ksi yield strength steel. All tests were performed in air at room temperature. The report includes graphs of crack length versus number of cycles and crack growth rate versus stress intensity range. These data indicate that the crack growth rate in ASTM A-517 type steels may be affected by fracture toughness and stress ratio. Since the number of tests was limited, recommendations are made for further research testing and fracture mechanics analyses. /Author/

• Corporate Authors:

  California Department of Transportation

  Transportation Laboratory
  5900 Folsom Boulevard
  Sacramento, CA  United States  95819
• Authors:
  • Crozier, W F
  • Sunbury, R D
  • Kendrick, C B
  • Richards, W N
• Publication Date: 1976-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
• Pagination: 39 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Fatigue tests; Fracture mechanics; Girders; Repeated loads; Specifications; Steel; Stresses; Tension; Toughness
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fracture
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167466
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: CA-DOT-TL-6827-17642Final Rpt.
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 16 1978 12:00AM