Engelhardt, Michael D.2010-12-212010-12-212017-05-112010-12-212010-12-212017-05-112010-08August 201http://hdl.handle.net/2152/ETD-UT-2010-08-1953textA new method of connecting cross-frames to bridge girders had been proposed to alleviate concerns with current design practices. This new, half-pipe detail needs to be examined for fatigue issues that may exist which would make it infeasible as a replacement candidate for the current bent-plate design. A program of laboratory testing was carried out to determine the comparative performance between the half-pipe and the bent-plate designs. These tests were then translated into a finite element model which was examined to determine behavior over a wide range of designs scenarios. Finite element results, along with the laboratory testing data, were used to determine the appropriate use of the half-pipe stiffener.application/pdfengFatigueCross-framesSplit-pipeHalf-pipePlate-stiffenerthesis2010-12-21