Fatigue of Corrugated-Web Plate Girders: Analytical Study

This paper presents finite-element and fracture mechanics studies of plate girders with corrugated webs. The failure mode of this type of girder under fatigue loading is distinguished by its location in the tension flange and is discussed in detail. A comprehensive nonlinear finite-element analysis was conducted to study the effects of the different geometrical parameters of this type of girder on the stress concentration at different locations, and to explain findings of an earlier experimental study. Different parameters, such as the radius of curvature between the web folds, the inclined fold angle of inclination, and the use of sinusoidal corrugation were investigated. Two sources of stress concentration leading to fatigue cracking were isolated; one is dependent on the radius of curvature between the web folds and the other depends on the inclination angle of the inclined fold. An analytical technique based on fracture mechanics is proposed to determine the fatigue life of the girders. The technique enables designers to evaluate the fatigue life of structures built using corrugated web steel girders and subjected to fatigue-type loading, such as bridges or industrial facilities subjected to dynamic loading.