Orthotropic steel decks are composed of comparatively thin steel plates (as thin as 6 mm) that deform in the in-plane and out-of-plane directions at longitudinal-to-transverse rib connections in response to vehicle loads. Since such deformations can change as the load positions move, local stress directions can also vary such that hot spots along the weld toes are moved and the relationship between the load position and hot spot stress becomes complex. Furthermore, the deformations will differ depending on the specific type of connection. The present work investigated the effects of rib shapes and slits (that is, cut-outs) on the fatigue properties of such connections by calculating structural hot spot stresses at various connections by finite element analyses. The hot spot locations along weld toes were determined to vary depending on the load position, the longitudinal rib shape, and the presence of slits. It was also found that the load positions associated with maximum and minimum hot spot stresses at slit connections tended to be eccentric relative to the center axes of the evaluated ribs.

正交异性钢甲板由相对较薄的钢板（薄至6 mm）组成，这些钢板根据车辆载荷在纵向至横向肋连接处沿面内和面外方向变形。由于这样的变形可以随着载荷位置的移动而改变，因此局部应力方向也可以改变，使得沿着焊趾的热点移动并且载荷位置和热点应力之间的关系变得复杂。此外，变形将根据连接的特定类型而有所不同。通过有限元分析计算各种连接处的结构热点应力，本工作研究了肋形和缝隙（即切口）对此类连接疲劳性能的影响。确定沿焊趾的热点位置根据载荷位置，纵向肋形状和缝隙的存在而变化。还发现与缝隙连接处的最大和最小热点应力相关的载荷位置往往相对于所评估肋骨的中心轴偏心。