What are typical fatigue cracking indicators in steel girders?

Study for the FHWA Bridge Inspection Techniques for NSTM exam. Prepare using flashcards, detailed explanations, and multiple-choice questions. Get equipped to excel in your certification!

Multiple Choice

What are typical fatigue cracking indicators in steel girders?

Explanation:
Fatigue cracking in steel girders usually shows up as cracks running along the length of the member that initiate at welds or connection details. Repeated loading creates high stress concentrations at weld toes and where plates, such as gussets or stiffeners, join the girder. Over many cycles, a crack begins at a weld toe or connection and propagates longitudinally along the weld line or along the length of the member, making those areas the typical fatigue indicators to look for during inspection. The other options describe problems in concrete or pavement and do not represent the common fatigue cracking pattern seen in steel girders.

Fatigue cracking in steel girders usually shows up as cracks running along the length of the member that initiate at welds or connection details. Repeated loading creates high stress concentrations at weld toes and where plates, such as gussets or stiffeners, join the girder. Over many cycles, a crack begins at a weld toe or connection and propagates longitudinally along the weld line or along the length of the member, making those areas the typical fatigue indicators to look for during inspection. The other options describe problems in concrete or pavement and do not represent the common fatigue cracking pattern seen in steel girders.

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