An experimental test set-up to evaluate residual stresses and imperfections on historical riveted steel beams

Molkens, T. and Kövesdi, Balázs Géza and Ryjáček, P. (2025) An experimental test set-up to evaluate residual stresses and imperfections on historical riveted steel beams. In: Engineering Materials, Structures, Systems and Methods for a More Sustainable Future. CRC Press, London, pp. 1481-1486. ISBN 9781003677895

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Abstract

The assessment of existing steel structures is gaining interest, with increasing focus on field measurements and their integration into code provisions. Prudence is advised, and plastic analysis is discouraged, definitely if the steel structure is submitted to fatigue loads. Steelwork predating 1955, and sometimes even the 1970s, is often excluded from assessments. Current guidelines present challenges, as theoretical issues arise despite practical insights suggesting otherwise, all those aspects reinforce the need for a scientific approach. Uncertainty in existing structures, mainly due to material inconsistencies and unknown imperfections, limits the use of advanced numerical analysis. The forthcoming EN 1993-1-14 standard provides models for geometrical imperfections and residual stresses but applies only to rolled and welded sections, sections, overlooking riveted structures. Given that many aging bridges are riveted, this presents a knowledge gap. To address this, a 1938 riveted railway bridge girder from the Albert Canal in Herentals, Belgium, has been transported to KU Leuven for testing. The study explores various mea-surement techniques, such as hardness tests and strain gauges, to improve on-site assessments. The results will enhance numerical evaluations of resistance, buckling, and fatigue, contributing to more reliable assessments of existing steelwork. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Alphose Zingoni; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.

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