Stress Characteristics Analysis of a Corrugated Web Composite Girder under Out-Plane Bending

The focus of this study is to analyse the stress distribution of corrugated web girder subjected to out-plane bending. Welded joining is considered in this study to connect the corrugated web and beam flange. As stress concentration is very critical for the prediction of fatigue life of the structure, this study provides preliminary results for further fatigue assessment of box-section girder bridge with such structural details. A finite element analysis based study has been conducted to trace the stress distribution along the corrugated web with varying thickness and cope hole details. The comparison with related simplified expression and typical stress concentration behaviours are outlined in this paper. Comments are given for the further consideration of presented stress characteristics in the fatigue design.