Fatigue strength analysis of a typical highway sign face to post connection

Abstract

The objective of this thesis can be divided into two basic parts. The first part was to analyze and formulate equations involving stress and deflection of the sign face-to-post connection, in order to better understand the effects when fatigue loads are applied. The equations for deflection were formulated based on simple beam theory and plate theory. Experiments were preformed using strain-gages to verify the analytical method and results obtained. Typical examples were conducted and are included to compare the theoretical and experimental results.

The second part was to investigate the fatigue properties of current and proposed sign face connection systems by subjecting them to mechanical oscillatory-type bending tests of a fatigue testing machine.