FE analysis of stringer-to-floor-beam connections in riveted railway bridges

The results from ten fatigue tests performed on six full-scale riveted stringers are presented and discussed. The stringers were taken from a 100 year old bridge, and the tests were performed at two different stress ranges: 60 and [similar to] 100 MPa. The tested stringers showed an excellent fatigue performance and their fatigue lives were in correspondence with or above the fatigue design curve given by the codes. Furthermore, the efficiency of using stop-holes to retard fatigue crack propagation in riveted girders was examined. The method was found to be an effective measure when aimed at temporarily arrest the crack propagation in riveted girders