Effect of adhesion failure and temperature on the mechanical behavior of orthotropic steel bridge deck

Abstract

Orthotropic steel bridge decks (OSBDs) have been widely used in long span bridges with many advantages, however, the long-term performance of the asphalt wearing course is still questionable. There is a lack of understanding the causes of cracking and adhesion failure between the tack coat and the steel plate, etc. Therefore, this paper focuses on the adhesion failure between the asphalt wearing course and the steel plate, and the temperature influence on the mechanical behavior of the orthotropic deck. The five-point bending beam test model using the finite element model is used in this investigation in order to clarify the effect of ratio of adhesion failure and the temperature on the mechanical behavior of the OSBD. The ratio of adhesion failure varies from 0.1 to 0.5, and the temperature changes from 30oC to 60oC. The results reveal the influence of temperature and adhesion failure on the mechanical behavior of the OSBD