An experimental investigation into fatigue behaviors of single- and double-sided U rib welds in orthotropic bridge decks

In this study, the fatigue resistance properties of single- and double-sided welded joints in OBD are investigated using the traction structural stress method by conducting experimental and numerical investigations. Full-scale fatigue specimen tests are conducted to analyze the fatigue property validations and failure modes, considering the effects of length scale, residual stress relaxation, angular misalignment corrections, and stress ratio. Double-sided welded joints have been found to fail at the interior weld toe with the propagation direction of deck thickness, and the prediction results will be more accurate considering the effect factors of angular misalignments and stress ratio. The specific united master S-N curve for the fatigue performance prediction of single- and double-sided welded joints in OBDs is recommended with the combination of fatigue test data.