This study was carried out with the specific objectives of providing a sensible fatigue and fracture rating plan for riveted steel highway bridges. To accomplish this objective a study of existing test data was carried out and summarized. This information was then supplemented with additional test information produced during the project using beam sections from actual riveted bridges. This permitted estimates of deterioration to be assessed and fatigue and fracture data applicable to full size members to be acquired. The goal of the riveted girder tests which examined the fatigue strength and fracture resistance of the members and assessed the toughness and metallurgical characteristics of the material was to achieve an adequate degree of understanding to permit rating recommendations to be developed.
Abstract