Fatigue Crack Initiation and Propagation in Piles of Integral Abutment Bridges

摘要: In this article, a new continuum damage modeling approach of “successive initiation” is used to determine the location thermomechanical fatigue crack initiation and propagation path rate in piles integral abutment bridges. A global-local introduced critical pile where initiated using 3-dimensional nonlinear finite element model implement initiation.” simulated case study showcase multistep procedure. The results indicate that for subjected maximum stress, first fatigue-induced initiates tip flange at immediately below abutment. Several other cracks different locations form while initial continues propagate web. increases as more initiate flange. decreases when reaches Based on presented, could little 6 years, but it may take about 20 years reach web; however, final failure not place several decades. method can also be guide bridge foundation inspection determination remaining life an existing bridge.