Experimental and numerical study of riveted joints in truss bridges reinforced with added steel plates

To study the mechanical properties of reinforced riveted joints in existing truss bridges, a full-scale local test model of joint reinforced with added steel plates was designed and fabricated. A static test was conducted to measure the behavior of the joint plates under loads, revealing the failure process of the reinforced joint. A detailed finite element model was developed to simulate the reinforced joint plates and the connections, with its reliability validated through comparison with the test results. The finite element model provided comprehensive insights into the stress distribution, plate deformation, and forces acting on the rivets and bolts of the reinforced joint. The results indicated that the final failure of the reinforced joint occurred at the diagonal web member, showing necking after reaching the ultimate load. The rivets connecting the original joint plates and the new joint plates experienced shear failure and showed significant displacement values. The ultimate bearing capacity of the reinforced joint was estimated to be 3.07 times the internal force under the fundamental combination of actions.