FE analysis of stringer-to-floor-beam connections in riveted railway bridges

Abstract

Stringer-to-floor-beam connections in riveted railway bridges have in many cases shown to be critical details with respect to fatigue. These connections, while generally designed with respect to shear forces alone, are often subjected to repeated secondary bending as a result of their rotational stiffness. The behavior of double-angle stringer-to-floor-beam connections in riveted railway bridges is examined using finite element analysis. A series of static and fatigue tests was performed on three full-scale bridge parts taken from an old riveted railway bridge in order to study the response of these connections under the action of bending moment. The results of the analysis show that these double-angle ‘shear’ connections are capable of developing appreciable moment due to the restraint they exert on the rotation of stringer ends associated with bending. The resulting bending and axial stresses in the angles and the rivets of the connection might consequently be considerable. High stress concentrations are also present in these components, what further increases their fatigue-damage susceptibility.