Environment-assisted fatigue of steel bridges: A conceptual framework for life assessment

Abstract

This paper presents a framework based on a recently proposed fatigue strength curve of corroded steel to assess the life of an existing steel bridge exposed to environment-assisted fatigue. Environment-assisted cracking (EAC) and how it affects the structural integrity of steel bridges are introduced by the framework. Determination of both corroded and uncorroded details in a corrosive environment are also included in this framework. To conform the applicability and significance, a fatigue life of a railway bridge was assessed by methods given in the framework. The obtained fatigue lives were compared. The difference of the estimated fatigue lives emphasizes the importance of having this framework to consider the interaction of corrosion and fatigue mechanisms.