Corrugated Steel Webs Research Articles

Shear performance prediction for corrugated steel web girders based on machine-learning algorithms

This study aimed to predict the shear strength of corrugated steel web girders (CSWGs) by developing a new method based on four machine-learning (ML) algorithms, namely the support vector machine, artificial neural network, random forest, and XGBoost. Based on the acquired experimental and numerical data, a database containing 552 samples was constructed to train and test the ML models. A five-fold cross-validation approach was adopted during training to prevent model overfitting. A RandomizedSearchCV was used to optimize the hyperparameters of each model. The performance of the trained models was evaluated using four performance metrics, and the results revealed that the coefficients of determination (R2) of all ML models exceeded 0.97 when used on both training and validation sets, demonstrating the excellent performance of the ML models in predicting the shear strength of CSWGs. Additionally, the implemented ML models outperformed existing design codes and empirical formulae. The XGBoost model yielded the best prediction results with an R2 of 0.999, mean absolute error of 44.98 kN, root-mean-square error of 66.67 kN, and mean absolute percentage error of 2.1 %. By using the Shapley additive explanation to derive a visual, quantitative explanation of the XGBoost model, the yield strength, web thickness, and web height were identified as the most critical factors affecting the shear strength of CSWGs, and their average absolute Shapley values accounted for approximately 91.45 % of the total value. The ML models implemented in this study provide a promising new approach for pre-designing and verifying the stability of CSWGs.

Study on Shear Performance of Composite Beams with Corrugated Steel Webs under Vehicle Fire

Study on Shear Performance of Composite Beams with Corrugated Steel Webs under Vehicle Fire

Modified Easley formula for elastic critical global shear buckling stress of corrugated steel webs considering real boundary conditions

The real juncture between corrugated steel webs (CSWs) and flanges follows a multi-segmented line, distinct from that of flat steel webs. Classic methods may yield significant deviations in predicting the elastic global shear buckling capacity of CSWs of various scales due to their failure to consider real boundary constraints. Therefore, a universally applicable formula for calculating the elastic critical global shear buckling stress of CSWs, which accounts for real boundary conditions, is proposed. This formula is pertinent to both large-scale engineering CSWs and small-scale testing CSWs. This study commenced with a comprehensive reassessment of the elastic global shear buckling calculation method. Subsequently, the influence of geometric parameter ratios on the elastic critical global buckling stress was examined. The primary parameter was identified and employed to improve the global buckling coefficient. The proposed calculation method was validated using different corrugation configurations, including 1000-type, 1200-type, 1600-type, 1800-type, and 2000-type CSWs, as well as other CSWs used in experimental settings. These results were compared with those obtained from other reference methods. Findings indicate that the accuracy of the classic theoretical method is affected by variations in both boundary conditions and geometric dimensions due to the constraint effect of real boundary conditions. Under the real boundary conditions, the elastic critical global shear buckling stress of CSWs with simply supported boundary conditions is close to that of CSWs with consolidated boundary conditions. The ratio of web height to corrugation depth primarily affects the elastic global shear buckling capacity, which decreases as the ratio increases. The Easley formula can be modified based on the web height to corrugation depth ratio. Comparisons of numerous numerical and theoretical results reveal that the proposed calculation method exhibits commendable computational precision. In comparison to alternative formulas, the proposed method demonstrates enhanced consistency for calculating CSWs with varying geometric dimensions and boundary conditions, thereby demonstrating its favorable applicability. These conclusions provide valuable reference for the shear design of CSWs.

Analytical Investigation of Fatigue Behavior in a Modified Composite Steel Box Concrete Girder Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs under Pavement and Expansion Joint Deterioration

Analytical Investigation of Fatigue Behavior in a Modified Composite Steel Box Concrete Girder Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs under Pavement and Expansion Joint Deterioration

A Review of the Mechanical Properties of and Long-Term Behavior Research on Box Girder Bridges with Corrugated Steel Webs

Based on an analysis of the extant literature, this paper summarizes the research progress on the mechanical properties and long-term behavior of corrugated steel web (CSW) box girder bridges. First, the research results of CSW box girder bridges in terms of the shear buckling performance (local shear buckling, overall shear buckling, and interaction buckling), bending performance, bending capacity, torsional capacity, and coefficient of internal force increase are summarized, along with the main factors affecting the mechanical performance of CSW box girder bridges. Second, based on research on the self-oscillation characteristics and dynamic response of CSW box girder bridges, the influence of structural parameters on the self-oscillation characteristics is analyzed. Finally, the long-term mechanical behavior of the CSW box girder bridges is analyzed in terms of fatigue, creep, and temperature effects. The existing research results demonstrate that there still exist deficiencies in the mechanical properties and long-term behavior of CSW box girder bridges, and this paper thus suggests a future research focus on CSW box girder bridges to provide a reference for further improving their basic theoretical system.

Shear strength of steel-concrete composite I-beams with corrugated steel webs

Corrugated steel webs have been widely applied to steel-concrete composite beams due to their excellent shear performance. However, there needs to be adequate research on the shear behavior of steel-concrete composite I-beams with corrugated steel webs, and the proportional distribution of shear forces between concrete flanges and corrugated steel webs in composite I-beams has yet to be clarified. This paper experimentally investigates steel-concrete composite I-beams with corrugated steel webs with different shear span ratios. With the increase of the shear span ratio, the shear failure mode of the beam gradually evolves from shear-dominated to flexural-dominated, the shear capacity and structural stiffness of the beam are negatively affected, and the improvement of the shear resistance of the beam after webs buckling is gradually limited. As the primary shear component, corrugated steel webs contribute about 71 % to 92 % of the total sectional shear force. Notably, accounting for 15 % to 35 % of the shear capacity of the beam, the shear contribution of the concrete flange must also be typically considered. For the generalizability of research results, parametric studies are conducted using validated numerical models to comprehensively investigate the effects of steel yield strength, concrete strength, web thickness, web height, and shear span ratio. Afterward, an efficient analytical model considering the shear capacity of the concrete flange is proposed to estimate the shear strength of composite I-beams with corrugated steel webs. The proposed analytical model agrees satisfactorily with experimental and numerical analysis results. The research results can provide valuable support for designing and optimizing steel-concrete composite I-beams with corrugated steel webs.

Study on the initial corrosion characteristics of weathering steel bridges with corrugated steel webs

In this study, the characteristics and influencing factors of the early corrosion evolution process of the weathering steel (WS) bridge in northwest China were examined, revealing the seldom-studied corrosion evolution law of the corrugated web of weathering steel. The corrosion losses and average corrosion thickness of WS bridge components were measured and evaluated. The results revealed that compared with traditional flat steel webs, the corrosion of corrugated steel webs was enhanced in the vertical direction and at the wave peak, and resulted in a more complex corrosion pattern. The trend of the rust layer on the inner and outer surfaces of the box girder is related to the stage characteristics of the corrosion products. The appearance of microscopic characteristics of the rust layer is periodic, with the rust layer thickness, colour, and particle size varying with the bridge’s location. The development of the corrosion pit followed a lognormal distribution, and the corrosion rate was balanced in the radial and depth directions. These results can serve as a basis for designers or inspectors to design WS bridge structures, select correct corrosion allowances, and improve corrosion monitoring and detection techniques.

Investigating the mechanical properties related to the vertical bending of composite I‐beams with corrugated steel webs

AbstractThe maximum angular rotation attributable to the in‐plane shear deformation of flange slabs is used as generalised displacement in the conventional analysis method for I‐beams. However, the mechanical concepts are poorly understood due to the complex nature of this analysis method. Consequently, a novel strategy for analysing vertical bending in composite I‐beams is proposed in this study. This approach uses the additional deflection of composite I‐beams induced by the shear lag effect as the generalised displacement. Furthermore, this research comprehensively considers the accordion effect, shear lag and self‐equilibrium conditions for the shear lag warping stress and bending moment. Moreover, two longitudinal warping displacement difference functions are employed to accurately describe the variation of shear lag in composite I‐beams with varying flange slab widths. The differential equations of the I‐beams with corrugated steel webs in the elastic range are established based on the energy‐variation method. A complete mechanical system of a composite I‐beam is decomposed into two parts, namely, the shear lag mechanical system and the elementary beam mechanical system, which are independent of each other. The theory presented in this paper reflects the internal mechanical mechanism of composite I‐beams. The calculation accuracy is considerably improved in this study. Therefore, this method is more unambiguous and well‐defined. It enriches and advances the current analysis theory of composite structures, which can guide the design of composite I‐beams.

The thermal responses of composite box girder bridges with corrugated steel webs under solar radiation

Owing to the direct exposure to complex atmospheric environments, the temperature field of composite box girder bridge with corrugated steel webs (CBGB-CSW) is likely non-uniformly distributed. Whereas, the current researches regarding the thermal responses of CBGB-CSW are insufficient, and the thermal responses of CBGB-CSW under solar radiation are still unknown. Therefore, this paper conducted a long-term temperature experiment on a scaled model to explore the temperature distribution characteristics in CBGB-CSW. Meanwhile, a three-dimensional thermal–mechanical coupling Finite Element (FE) model is established to simulate the temperature field in the experiment girder. The accuracy and effectiveness of the developed FE model has been verified by the measured temperature data. Therewith, the thermal responses (i.e., stress and displacement) of a full-scale continuous CBGB-CSW with a span of 150 m are numerically investigated. The results indicate that the maximum stresses always occur at the midspan section (with a depth of 5 m) of the continuous CBGB-CSW, and considerable concentrations of stress are observed in the steel-concrete junction. The maximum longitudinal tensile and compressive normal stresses within 0.4 m of the upper junction can reach 5.55 MPa and −8.46 MPa respectively, and those of the lower junction can reach 6.96 MPa and −7.05 MPa respectively. Besides, owing to the impacts of vertical and horizontal temperature gradients, significant displacements of the whole bridge can also be observed. The maximum vertical displacement (5.33 mm) of the CBGB-CSW is estimated at the top plate in the midspan, while the maximum horizontal displacement (0.74 mm) is estimated at the trough of the southern corrugated steel web in the midspan. Notably, the outcomes of this paper can provide some useful references for engineers and scholars to understand the thermal responses of the CBGB-CSW.

Analysis of influential factors on additional shear force induced by shear deformation in girder bridges with corrugated steel webs

Girder bridges with corrugated steel webs (CSWs) exhibit critical shear regions proximate to supports, where the CSWs are subjected to peak shear forces and bending moments potentially inducing shear buckling. This study explores the shear behavior within critical regions experiencing hogging bending moments, where the accordion effect of CSWs dramatically exacerbates shear deformation. However, due to the substantially reduced shear stiffness of CSWs relative to concrete slabs and crossbeams, the shear deformation of CSWs is constrained, causing additional shear forces to form within them. The traditional basic shear method proves inadequate in predicting shear stress within CSWs for it omits these additional shear forces. The study introduces an enhanced formula to precisely assess shear stresses within CSWs, particularly in hogging moment regions of girders, considering the additional shear force induced by CSWs' shear deformation. A strong correlation between the additional shear forces and the geometric characteristics of CSWs has been identified through theoretical analysis. Accordingly, the study systematically investigates the impact of various parameters on the additional shear force through finite element parametric analysis. Comparative analysis demonstrates that the CSWs’ thickness, the height-to-span ratio, and the boundary constraint conditions of girders significantly impact additional shear forces, thereby affecting the shear transfer efficiency within the cross-section of the girder.

Optimized neural network-based model to predict the shear strength of trapezoidal-corrugated steel webs

Beam-like members use corrugated webs to increase their shear strength, stability, and efficiency. The corrugation positively affects the members' structural characteristics, especially those governed by the web parameters, such as the shear strength, while reducing the total weight. Existing code and analytical models for predicting the shear strength of trapezoidal corrugated steel webs (TCSWs) are summarized. This paper presents an optimized Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-based model to estimate the shear strength of steel girders with a TCSW subjected to a concentrated force. A database of 206 experimental results from the literature is used to feed the ANNs. Six geometrical and material parameters were identified as input variables, and the experimental shear strength at failure was considered the output variable. Four hyperparameter optimization techniques are applied to refine the ANN models: Bayesian Optimization (BO), Limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (L-BFGS), Firefly Algorithm (FA), and African Buffalo Optimization (ABO). The performance metrics indicate that the ABO-ANN model is the most effective among these. The predictions of the developed ML model were also compared with those of existing code and analytical models. The comparisons illustrated that the ANN-based model outperforms the other existing models. The sensitivity analysis using the proposed ANN-based model captured the relationships and interactions among the geometric and material parameters and their impact on shear strength. One main finding is that the corrugation angle in the 35–45° range maximized the TCSW shear strength.

The Influences of Positive and Negative Resal Effects on the Shear Performance of Tapered Girders with Corrugated Steel Webs

The Influences of Positive and Negative Resal Effects on the Shear Performance of Tapered Girders with Corrugated Steel Webs

Modified calculation on shear stress of girder bridges with corrugated steel webs

The study examines the shear behaviors in girder bridges with corrugated steel webs (CSWs) considering different boundary constraints through theoretical analysis, experimental investigation, and numerical simulation. The accordion effect significantly amplifies shear deformation in CSWs at support locations. The substantial difference in shear stiffness between the CSWs and the concrete slabs constrains the shear deformation of CSWs, resulting in the generation of additional shear force within the CSWs. Therefore, the existing basic shear method is inaccurate for calculating shear stress in CSWs because it neglects this influencing factor. The study proposes an advanced formula for accurately predicting shear stresses near the supports of a cantilever prismatic girder bridge with CSWs by incorporating the additional shear forces induced by the shear deformation of CSWs. Theoretical analysis has revealed that the expression and magnitude of the additional shear force are correlated with the boundary conditions of the girder bridge. The study formulates expressions for the additional shear force induced by shear deformation in girder bridges with CSWs, considering various boundary conditions such as cantilever, simply supported, fixed-end, and continuous spans. It contributes to further enhancing the analytical method for calculating shear stress in prismatic girder bridges with CSWs, accommodating diverse support constraint conditions. The findings have practical implications for guiding the shear design of girder bridges with CSWs under various support systems.

Bond Slip Effect of Composite Trough Beam with Corrugated Steel Web Wrapped with Steel Plate and its Influence on Displacement Under Different Loading Conditions

Bond Slip Effect of Composite Trough Beam with Corrugated Steel Web Wrapped with Steel Plate and its Influence on Displacement Under Different Loading Conditions

Dynamic response of girder bridges with corrugated steel webs subjected to moving loads

Girders with corrugated steel webs (CSWs), replacing traditional concrete webs in prestressed concrete box girders, exhibit a unique dynamic behavior due to the accordion effect and the thinner dimension of CSWs. The study aims to investigate the dynamic response of girder bridges with CSWs under moving loads. Utilizing the Timoshenko beam theory and modal analysis method, the analytical formula for the dynamic response, considering shear deformation and rotational inertia, was developed. The proposed analytical formula was validated through finite element simulation. Employing dimensionless parameters, a parametric analysis was conducted to examine the effects of multi-modes, loading position and shear deformation on the dynamic response of girders with CSWs. The results highlight the significant influence of the shear parameter αS and the speed parameter SE1 on the magnitude of the impact factor. Precise calculations for deflection and bending moment only require consideration of low-order modes, whereas accurate estimation of shear force requires attention to higher-order modes. In particular, a high-frequency resonance phenomenon is identified when the speed parameter SE1 and the shear parameter αS conform to the formula “πSE1αS = 1”. The suggested impact factor formulas for midpoint deflection, midpoint bending moment and end shear force have been developed and categorized into three groups based on the magnitude of the shear parameter αS.

Calculation of Shear Stress in New-Type Composite Box Girder with Corrugated Steel Webs under Restrained Torsion

The objective of this paper is to outline a method for the systematic analysis and calculation of the constrained torsional shear stress in corrugated steel web composite box girders. Initially, leveraging Umansky’s secondary theory, the calculation formula for the constrained torsional shear stress within the composite girder is derived from the conditions of cross-sectional torque equilibrium and continuity in warping displacement. Subsequently, a torsion test is conducted using a scaled model of an actual girder. Finally, the constrained torsional shear stress of the corrugated steel web composite girder is examined based on theoretical analyses and the results of torsion testing. The influence of wing plate length and web thickness on the torsional shear stress of the composite girder is also investigated. The findings reveal a strong agreement between the experimental results obtained from model testing and the theoretical calculations. Notably, under torsional constraint, it is observed that the shear stress in the web is maximal and evenly distributed, followed by the bottom plate and then the top plate, with no discernible shear stress observed at the free end of the cantilever plate. Numerical analysis indicates that an increase in the relative width of the cantilever plate initially leads to an increase in shear stress for both the cantilever plate and roof plate, followed by a decrease until reaching a relative width value around 0.6, where the changes tend to stabilize. Moreover, an increase in web thickness results in a monotonic decrease in web shear stress. Additionally, the shear stress of the roof and bottom plate decreases initially before subsequently increasing.

Recent review and comparative assessment of local instability in thin-walled corrugated steel web girders

Recent review and comparative assessment of local instability in thin-walled corrugated steel web girders

Oriented Corrugated Web Steel Beams

Oriented Corrugated Web Steel Beams

Opening In Oriented Corrugated Web Steel Beams

Opening In Oriented Corrugated Web Steel Beams

Optimization and fatigue assessment of girders with large-dimension corrugated steel webs

In recent years, large-dimension Corrugated Steel Webs (CSW) has increasingly become an available solution for long-span bridges to reduce deadweight and improve prestressing efficiency. Compared to conventional CSW used in small-span bridge girders, girders with large-dimension CSW in long-span bridges are more susceptible to fatigue cracking under repetitive traffic loads. However, the specifications aimed for small-dimension CSW may resulted in unsafe fatigue detail categories. This paper investigated the fatigue performance of large-dimension CSW girders for bridges. The reasonable corrugation angles of girders with CSW were obtained using Grey Relational analysis. The fatigue detail category corresponding to optimized corrugation angles was suggested based on the Theory of Critical Distance (TCD). The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results indicate that the hot spot stress concentration factor (Ks) on the web-flange weld toe increases with the corrugation angle and decreases with the bend radius. When the corrugation angle and the bend radius are fixed, Ks increases with the corrugation wavelength. By developing a balanced fatigue and shear buckling performance scheme, the optimized corrugation angles of wavelength 1000 ∼ 2000 mm are between 30° and 45°. There is a negative correlation between the fatigue detail categories of CSW girders and corrugation wavelengths. In general, the fatigue detail category of wavelength 1600 ∼ 2000 mm under four-point bending can be classified into a range between 50 and 71 for Eurocode 3, Category D and Category E′ design curves for AASHTO, FAT 50 and FAT 71 for IIW respectively.