Design of steel orthotropic decks on railway bridges

The static, dynamic and fatigue properties of orthotropic decks on steel railway bridges were investigated using both the theoretical and experimental methods. It has shown that the local stresses in the junction of the bridge deck, cross girder and longitudinal rib are important for the design. Being fully welded, the orthotropic decks are sensitive to fatigue. Their reliability depends on the welding technology, on the quality of welds and on the sequence of welding operations.