Application of Direct Resistance Check on End Cross‐Girders of Existing Steel Highway Bridge

Abstract Two key research areas have recently gained increased attention: (i) Finite element Method (FEM)‐based design of steel structures and (ii) assessment of existing steel structures. This paper combines these fields by applying advanced FEM techniques, specifically the direct resistance check, to a critical detail of an existing highway bridge in Hungary. The bridge required strengthening after its structural bearings were replaced, introducing a new load path and altering stress distribution in the diaphragms at the supports. The BME Department of Structural Engineering conducted an extensive static analysis to compare the effects of the old and new bearings, with special focus on local load introduction, stress concentrations and design resistance of the diaphragms. After the installation of new structural bearings, on‐site measurements and a load test were carried out to validate the predicted stress distribution in the diaphragms. The study highlights the consideration of stress concentration within advanced numerical models and presents the application of direct resistance check in case of an existing steel bridge.