Resistance a la fatigue d'un joint modulaire d'expansion pour ponts a multiples barres de support soudees (French text)

Increasingly, the tendency among bridge design engineers is to eliminate the number of smaller capacity expansion joints in a given structure, in favour of multiple-cell or Modular Bridge Joint System (MBJS) for bridges.; The main objective of this study is to evaluate the fatigue resistance of the critical details of the multiple support bars modular expansion joint, with welded connections as manufactured by Z-Tech Industries Inc. Structural models (1-D and 3-D) for the analysis of the MBJS test specimen were validated by comparing the experimental strains and stresses at different locations of the structure, with those predicted by the theoretical models. The fatigue performance of the modular joint was evaluated by testing multiple support bars modular joint specimens in accordance with the test procedure recommended by the NCHRP-402 Report. Of particular interest is the fatigue rating of the welded connection detail.; The testing was carried out in conformity with the requirements and guidelines of the procedure outlined in appendix B of the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 402, "Fatigue Design Criteria for Modular Bridge Expansion Joints". (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...