Mixed-mode fatigue crack growth in orthotropic steel decks

The strain energy density factor approach under mixed-mode condition is used for the prediction of crack propagation in the orthotropic steel deck specimen, which is similar to that of existing suspension bridges. Stress intensity factor approach is used to compare with strain energy density factor approach for the fatigue crack growth analysis. The stress intensity factors are computed by numerical extrapolation using cracked models for the different crack length. The study shows that the fatigue crack propagation under mixed-mode condition is slower than that under mode I only. Parametric studies on the initial crack length, critical crack length and parameters related to crack growth equations are performed to show the influence of these parameters on the fatigue life.