Fatigue Evaluation of CFST Arch Bridge Based on Vehicle–Bridge Coupling Vibration Analysis

Abstract

This study proposes a fatigue life analysis method for long-span CFST arch bridges based on a vehicle–bridge coupled vibration analysis model, which can analyze the structural dynamic effects and the excessive fatigue damage caused by the passage of vehicles. In situ test analysis of bridge dynamic characteristics is carried out, and a numerical model considering the vehicle–bridge coupled system is validated according to the measured vibration modes, frequency, and displacement time history. The results indicate that the proposed vehicle–bridge coupled vibration numerical model can be used to simulate the dynamic response of the bridge under various conditions. The factors of vehicle speed, vehicle weight, and road surface condition are further selected to analyze the vehicle–bridge coupled vibration effect, and it is found that the response time history is more sensitive to the vehicle weight factor. In addition, the fatigue life of suspenders at different positions is compared, which is found to decrease significantly with a reduction in suspender length. Due to damage to the suspender caused by environmental erosion, the cross-sectional area decreases and the stress amplitude changes, resulting in a decrease in the fatigue reliability of the suspender under different conditions.