Comparative analysis of stress state and fatigue behaviour of two types of welded joints used for a HEM-beams structure

Abstract

The paper presents the comparative analysis of two types of welded structures used in railway bridges. The differences between the two types of structures are given by the configuration of welded joints (HEM profiles are used for both structures). Constructive and technological analysis made for each structure are presented, highlighting the differences of own weight and material consumption. Static and fatigue behaviour analysis are made using finite element method simulations. Static analyses aim to determine the stress and displacement states for limit loading cases, highlighting the areas with maximum stresses and displacements. The results obtained from the static analysis are used in the analysis of fatigue behaviour of the two structures.