S-N curve for riveted details in corrosive environment and its application to a bridge

A formula for stress-life curve is proposed to predict the fatigue life of riveted bridges located in corrosive environments. The corrosive environment-dependent parameters of the S-N curve are determined based on the corrosion fatigue testing results of different types of steel specimens in air, fresh water, and seawater. Eurocode detail category 71 and UK WI-rivet detail category represent the fatigue strength of riveted members. The proposed S-N curve formula is compared with full-scale fatigue test results of riveted joints, plate girders, and truss girders, which were tested in a corrosive environment. Thus, the validity of the formula is confirmed. The formula does not require any material parameter other than the code-given fatigue curve of riveted details. The fatigue life of a riveted railway bridge is estimated by using the proposed formula, and the results are compared with conventional approaches. The applicability and significance of the proposed curve are confirmed.