Abstract
A linear-elastic Fracture Mechanics approach is used to estimate the fatigue life of riveted connections present in railroad bridge built-up steel girders under variable amplitude loading. Special care has been taken to analyze the effect of thermal clamping stresses on fatigue life. The analysis is developed using the variable amplitude stresses generated due to a traversing heavy axle train on a simply supported girder. Stress intensity factors for quarter elliptical corner crack emanating from a through-thickness (rivet) hole under remote tension were used. Thermal clamping stress, typically generated during the installation process, was quantified through a finite element simulation. Superposition principle was utilized to account for localized clamping stress present on the base material along with remote tension. Fatigue life estimations calculated using a linear-elastic Fracture Mechanics approach with and without considering clamping stress are compared. Finally, crack growth proved to be different under the effect of localized clamping stresses when compared to a crack growth emanating from a hole with no clamping stress.
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