Fatigue damage model for bridge under traffic loading: application made to Tsing Ma Bridge

A fatigue damage model is developed to account for the damage accumulation process in bridges subjected to in-field traffic loading. Continuous damage mechanics (CDM) is applied to formulate damage kinetic constitutive equations. On-line strain gauge measurements are then made on the orthotropic steel deck structure of the Tsing Ma Bridge, an essential portion of the transport network for the Hong Kong airport. Fatigue life prediction analyses are then made. The results agree well with those obtained by the tests.