Fatigue of web-flange weld of corrugated web girders: 2. Analytical evaluation of fatigue strength of corrugated web-flange weld

The challenges in evaluating the fatigue strength of the web-flange weld of corrugated web girders are the complexity of the stress field and uncertainty regarding the appropriate fatigue strength category. In this paper, using finite element analysis and crack propagation analysis, the fatigue strength of this web-flange weld is analytically examined. The main conclusions are that the fatigue strength is negatively affected by the existence of the longitudinal folds of the corrugated web and that it is necessary to have a large bend radius so that the fatigue critical point on the inclined folds are far from the longitudinal folds to eliminate the influence of the longitudinal folds. In addition, simple methods to estimate the predict fatigue life of the web-flange welds of corrugated web girders are proposed. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.