Tensile Behavior and Cost-Efficiency Evaluation of ASTM A1010 Steel for Bridge Construction

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical properties of ASTM A1010 steel plates and assesses their cost efficiency through life cycle cost (LCC) analyses when used in bridge construction. First, tensile tests were conducted on specimens with different plate thicknesses and rolling direction orientations. The overall stress–strain response and tensile properties of the A1010 steel were evaluated. In addition, failure zones of fractured specimens were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope to reveal the fracture morphology and failure type. Then, to assess the competitiveness of this relatively new steel in bridge construction, a series of LCC analyses were conducted. The first analytical investigation focused on the comparative LCC performance of two case study bridges located at different atmospheric environments and constructed using either A1010 steel or painted conventional carbon steel. The second analytical study explored the major factors impacting the A1010 payoff time. Results indicated that the use of A1010 steel can be most beneficial in bridges located in aggressive environmental conditions with heavy traffic volumes.