Abstract
Existing railway bridges are fundamental assets to expand the capacity of the railway network towards an eco-friendly transport for people and goods. As one of the main sources of structural degradation, fatigue represents a major concern for infrastructure managers, requiring the development of assessment methods that allow for reduced conservatism and increased reliability. Despite the multiscale problem, the implementation of local fatigue methods to large structures can be achieved efficiently when framed within a multiphase global-local assessment. This paper presents an innovative approach for hierarchical modelling based on a three-scale concept applied to riveted connections, which are significant in aging bridges. A structural system that presented failure during operation is investigated, allowing to confront the numerical results against observable damage, which provides a rare opportunity to parametrically understand the roots of fatigue. Numerical models properly validated by experimental results allowed computing fatigue lives that align with real damage, demonstrating the accuracy of the assessment process. Multiscale modelling tools are provided in an engineering framework to extend the fatigue life of existing riveted railway bridges.
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