Identification of sliding plate bridge bearing malfunction and its effects on bridge structure under service conditions

Abstract

A large inventory of steel bearings has malfunctioned due to corrosion and aging. Visual inspections are often insufficient to investigate the problem that could potentially influence the structural performance of bridges. A response-based method of detection of sliding plate bearing malfunction is proposed in this research. The proposed approach is used over a real bridge to assess its bearing performance under service conditions. A detailed Finite Element (FE) model of the bridge and bearings is prepared to simulate the stick–slip behavior of bearing and evaluate the influence of degrading bearing performance on the bridge structure. The developed FE model was validated by comparison of numerical and measured responses. The analysis results identified the distribution of stress concentrations around the bearing region and identified the crucial location of the fatigue problem. It is revealed that the critical stress concentration could appear even in case of one bearing malfunction and the degrading bearing performance should be timely identified to prevent serious fatigue related issues.