Effect of cross-beam on stresses revealed in orthotropic steel bridges

Abstract

Orthotropic steel highway bridges exist almost everywhere in world, especially in Europe. The design of these bridges started very early in 20th century and ended with a conventional orthotropic steel bridge structure, which is today specified in DIN FB 103. These bridges were mostly built in 1960's and exhibit damages in steel structural parts. The primary reason of these damages is the high pressure that is induced by wheel-loads and therefore damages develop especially in heavy traffic lanes. Constructive rules are supplied by standards to avoid damages in orthotropic steel structural parts. These rules are first given in detail in the standard DIN 18809 (Steel highway-and pedestrian bridges-design, construction, fabrication) and then in DIN-FB 103 (Steel bridges). Bridges built in the past are today subject to heavier wheel loads and the frequency of loading is also increased. Because the vehicles produced today in 21st century are heavier than before and more people have vehicle in comparison with 20th century. Therefore dimensioning or strengthening of orthotropic steel bridges by using stiffer dimensions and shorter spans is an essence. In the scope of this study the complex geometry of conventional steel orthotropic bridge is generated by FE-Program and the effects of cross beam web thickness and cross beam span on steel bridge are assessed by means of a parameter study. Consequently, dimensional and constructional recommendations in association with cross beam thickness and span will be given by this study.