Fatigue Risks in the Connections of Sign Support Structures: Phase 1

Wisconsin sought to assess the risk of fatigue-induced fracture in its existing sign support structures designed before the latest AASHTO specifications that included fatigue design. A framework for assessing fatigue-induced fracture risk is developed and detailed synthesis of fatigue testing of connections is conducted. Statistical analysis of tests conducted since 1970 is made and models for characterizing uncertainty in the fatigue life of these connections are proposed. Recommendations regarding further fatigue testing (specimen configuration, number and stress range) are given. Statistical models for wind speed and direction are developed using historical records obtained through the National Climatic Data Center for eight cities within the state of Wisconsin. Nonlinear finite element analysis of a typical mast-arm-to-plate connection with octagonal mast arm is conducted using various configurations of bolt pretension. Recommendations regarding the impact of loose bolts on the distribution of normal stress within octagonal mast arms are provided and comparison to AASHTO design specification procedures is made.

• Record URL:
  http://minds.wisconsin.edu/bitstream/handle/1793/53081/Final_08_14_Phase_1.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Marquette University

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1515 West Wisconsin Avenue
  Milwaukee, WI  United States  53233

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Division of Business Management, Bureau of Business Services
  Research and Communications Section, 4802 Sheboygan Avenue, P.O. Box 7957
  Madison, WI  United States  53707-7957

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Foley, Christopher M
  • Wan, Baolin
  • Weglarz, Mathew
  • Hellenthal, Matthew
  • Komp, Jordan
  • Smith, Andrew
  • Schmidt, Joseph P
• Publication Date: 2008-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 214p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bolts; Cracking; Fatigue (Mechanics); Fatigue tests; Finite element method; Mathematical models; Pretensioning; Sign supports; Specifications; Statistical analysis; Structural connection; Uncertainty; Wind
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fatigue life; Mast arm connections; Wind direction; Wind speed
• Geographic Terms: Wisconsin
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01123005
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: WHRP 08-05
• Contract Numbers: WisDOT SPR 0092-08-14
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 10 2009 3:07PM