A Numerical Evaluation of Structural Hot-Spot Stress Methods in Rib-To-Deck Joint of Orthotropic Steel Deck

This study numerically investigates the limitations of structural hot-spot stress (SHSS) methods and proposes a guideline for the calculation of hot-spot stresses, which can be used for the better evaluation of fatigue-related problems. Four different SHSS evaluation methods have been applied to the rib-to-deck (RD) welded joint in orthotropic steel deck (OSD). These methods are used to calculate SHSS at this critical joint utilizing finite element analyses (FEA) based software Siemens NX.12. The limitations and the accuracy of these methods have been observed under different element types and meshing techniques. Moreover, the effect of the nodal-averaging feature is being studied. Two types of governing stresses are produced by the application of Eurocode fatigue load model-4. Essentially, the bending in deck-plate produces highly non-linear stress at the deck-toe, and the membrane effect in rib-plate generates linear stress at the rib-toe. Guidelines are proposed considering different parameters on these two stress states by applying SHSS evaluation methods. In comparison to other SHSS approaches, the International Institute of Welding (IIW) quadratic stress extrapolation (QSE) method shows better results for solid single-element, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) through thickness stress linearization (TTSL) method stands out in solid cubic-mesh technique. In general, shell elements have more consistent SHSS results as compared to solid elements for both stress states.