New multiphase methodology for fatigue damage screening of aging metallic railway bridges

This paper proposes an integrated methodology for fatigue assessment of existing metallic railway bridges, consisting of four sequential phases to be progressively implemented. Advanced fatigue life prediction tools based on local methods are suggested, aiming to analyse fatigue critical details, fully considering the local characteristics of the existing loading transfer mechanisms. A real case study is investigated using the new integrated methodology, demonstrating the relevance of efficient local fatigue analyses in this context, as well as the importance of data resulting from the multiphase fatigue assessment for the management authorities to optimise the maintenance of existing railway bridges.