Experimental investigation and numerical simulation on welding residual stress of innovative double-side welded rib-to-deck joints of orthotropic steel decks

An innovative double-side welded rib-to-deck (RTD) joint has been developed recently to enhance fatigue performance of orthotropic steel decks (OSDs) in bridges. The welding residual stresses (WRS) will lead reduction resistance RTD joints It is essential study WRS and its distribution estimate the accurately. To investigate caused by process, experimental tests on four specimens were carried out means longitudinal critical refraction (LCR) wave method. A sequentially coupled three-dimensional thermo-mechanical finite element (FE) analysis model was established simulate it validated results investigation. Then, effects parameters geometric configuration are analyzed numerical simulation. show a reasonable agreement between simulation data. at surface weld seam plate components strongly affected speed, but comparatively weakly depends penetration rate, assembly gap deck thickness.