ABSTRACT
The Runyang Yangtze River Bridge in China is a suspension bridge with a main span of 1,490 m, using orthotropic steel deck (OSD). Vehicle loading plays a direct and significant role in long-term fatigue damage of the deck. In order to study the actual vehicle loading and its effect on the OSD, a weigh-in-motion (WIM) system is installed on all the 6 lanes of the bridge. Basing on these WIM data, further analysis is carried out to study the actual vehicle loading characteristics. First, traffic volume distribution on lanes of different classification are analyzed. Then, frequency distribution and overload condition of four typical axle types are studied. In the meantime, finite element method (FEM) is used to calculate the effect of wheel loading on the OSD, especially for the stress distribution on different components. By changing wheel loading position, stress envelope curve of different component on the OSD has been figured out. Through these results, the most vulnerable elements of the OSD are recognized and further evaluated. Through the results of theoretical analysis, mechanical behavior of orthotropic steel deck under vehicle loading is revealed. Finally, structural stress response and vulnerable component under vehicle loading are provided for daily maintenance and management. Probability distribution of freight cars on different lanes. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315207681/cd556cd4-4dcf-4efe-8e29-56fc67b8bfbd/content/fig192_1.tif"/> Frequency distribution of Tandem axle load on Lane 1 and Lane 6. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315207681/cd556cd4-4dcf-4efe-8e29-56fc67b8bfbd/content/fig192_2.tif"/> Transverse stress influence surface of the most vulnerable point of deck plate under dual wheel loading. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315207681/cd556cd4-4dcf-4efe-8e29-56fc67b8bfbd/content/fig192_3.tif"/>
