Stiffness-Based Evaluation of Hinge Joints in Prefabricated Assembled Multi-Girder Bridges under Operational...

Area of Science:

• Structural Engineering
• Bridge Health Monitoring
• Damage Detection

Background:

• Hinge joint damage is a significant concern in prefabricated assembled multi-girder bridges (AMGBs).
• Current damage assessment methods, such as damage indicators and finite element model (FEM) updating, have limitations including data requirements and procedural complexity.
• Effective and precise damage detection is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of AMGBs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel stiffness-based method for evaluating the performance and detecting damage in hinge joints of AMGBs.
• To develop a damage indicator based on stiffness ratios for improved accuracy in damage assessment.
• To provide a reliable approach for identifying the location and extent of hinge joint damage.

Main Methods:

• Estimating hinge joint stiffness by solving characteristic equations of the multi-beam system.
• Determining baseline joint stiffness using design data and FEM.
• Formulating a comprehensive evaluation framework by coupling FEM with baseline stiffness to create a stiffness ratio-based damage indicator.
• Analyzing strain and displacement correlations from actual bridge monitoring data.

Main Results:

• The proposed stiffness-based method accurately estimates articulation joint stiffness.
• Strain and displacement correlations validate the effectiveness of the method using real-world bridge data.
• The developed damage indicator effectively pinpoints the location and extent of hinge joint damage.

Conclusions:

• The proposed stiffness-based method offers a more effective and accurate approach to hinge joint damage detection in AMGBs compared to existing techniques.
• This method provides a reliable tool for structural health monitoring and maintenance of bridges.
• Accurate identification of damage location and extent is achievable, enhancing bridge safety and longevity.