Towards an Integrated Fracture-Control Plan for Steel Bridges

There has been considerable research and interest in the topic of fracture-critical members (FCMs) during the past decade.  As a result, the entire concept of what constitutes an FCM is being revisited and many long-standing ideas and opinions related to this classification of members are being shown to be overly conservative.  Significant advances in the understanding of fracture mechanics, material and structural behavior, fatigue crack initiation, fatigue crack growth, fabrication technology, and inspection technology have allowed other industries to address fracture in a more integrated manner.  An integrated fracture-control plan encompassing material, design, fabrication, and inspection can make fracture no more likely than any other limit state; ultimately, allowing for a better allocation of owner resources and increased steel bridge safety.  This presentation presents background to the current views of FCMs and suggestions about how to move forward.  This is the 2018 T.R. Higgins Award Lecture!

This course is based on a past AISC Live Webinar.

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Videos

Towards an Integrated FCP for Steel Bridges

Handouts

Towards an Integrated FCP for Steel Bridges Handout_2 slides per page

Towards an Integrated FCP for Steel Bridges Handout_4 slides per page