Influence of various Rainflow Counting Algorithm on fatigue estimation for a bridge gusset plate

Predicting the fatigue life of historic riveted metal bridges is a significant challenge because these bridges
were not originally designed to withstand fatigue, even as traffic demands increase each year. One of the
primary causes of fatigue-related bridge failures has been the deterioration of riveted gusset plates.
Ancient Former riveted bridges were typically constructed using materials and manufacturing techniques
that may not meet today's fatigue-resistant standards. Evaluating the mechanical properties of these
materials, such as tensile strength, fracture toughness, and stress concentrations around rivets, is crucial to
predicting fatigue life. By considering correct material properties, appropriate load history, structural
health monitoring information and fatigue modelling, it is possible to develop a comprehensive
understanding of these bridges' structural integrity and predict their remaining service life more
accurately.
The case study for this thesis work is Saalebrücke Großheringen railway bridge, a riveted plate girder
superstructure, which was erected in the early 1930s and is situated near Naumburg in central Germany,
part of the former main rail connection between Berlin and Munich. During a comprehensive field
examination, it was observed that one of the gusset plates connected to the plate girder exhibited clear
signs of fatigue-induced damage. This damage is believed to have originated from stress concentrations
occurring at the corresponding connection points, induced by distortions in the cross beam during the
passage of trains.

In light of the above discussion, the following tasks are formulated to be studied within the currentthis
master’s thesis
1. An introductory exploration of gusset plate construction and an in-depth examination of the key
failure modes associated with this structural component
2. A comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art methods used for assessing the fatigue of
riveted gusset plates
3. The formulation and development of a parametric finite element model of the gusset plate,
designed for rigorous structural analysis
4. The process of aligning and fine-tuning the numerical model through a calibration procedure,
utilizing empirical data obtained from previous experimental investigations.
5. Conduction of numerical fatigue analysis under various loading scenarios to assess the structural
integrity of the gusset plate.
6. Investigation into the impact of employing different rainflow counting algorithms on the
assessment of fatigue damage, with a focus on gusset plate performance.
During the elaboration of the thesis, several consultations with the examiners are necessary and requested.
Supplied documents are to be treated confidential and may not be transmitted to third parties without
approval by the provider.
Proposed literature:
● EN 1991-1-9 (2005): Eurocode 3: Design of Steel Structures – Part 1-9: Fatigue

● Lampman SR. ASM handbook: Volume 19, Fatigue and fracture. ASM International; 1996.

● Newman Jr J. The merging of fatigue and fracture mechanics concepts: A historical perspective. Prog Aerosp Sci
1998;34(5–6):347–90.
● Kwon K, Frangopol DM. Bridge fatigue assessment and management using reliability-based crack growth and
probability of detection models. Probab Eng Mech 2011;26(3):471–80.
● Fisher JW. Fatigue and fracture in steel bridges. Case studies. John Wiley and
● Chowdhury, S., & Zabel, V. (2023). Stochastic selection of fatigue crack growth model for a damaged bridge gusset
plate. International Journal of Fatigue, 173, 107674.