High-Cycle Fatigue of Diagonally Cracked Reinforced Concrete Bridge Girders: Field Tests

Abstract

Large numbers of conventionally reinforced concrete deck–girder (RCDG) bridges remain in-service in the national highway system. Diagonal cracks have been identified in many of these bridges, which are exposed to millions of load cycles during service life. The anticipated life of these bridges in the cracked condition under repeated service loads is uncertain. RCDG bridges with diagonal cracks were inspected and instrumented. Strain and crack displacement data were collected under ambient traffic conditions and controlled test trucks. Results indicated relatively small stirrup stresses and diagonal cracks exhibited opening and closing under truck loading.