Abstract: In recent years, prefabricated T-girder Bridges have been widely used in China. Damage identification of transverse connection members, which is the most vulnerable locations of Bridges, has become a hot issue. This study simplifies the transverse diaphragms of T-beam bridges into equally rigid bridge decks, employing a spring system to simulate the force and deformation of transverse connection components. The theoretical calculation of damage factors for transverse connection components in prefabricated T-beam bridges is proposed, considering the effects of shear force, lateral force, and flange deformation. The theoretical calculation results by MATLAB were compared with the numerical simulation results by ANSYS to verify the effectiveness of the damage factor. Furthermore, through the comparison between 7 simulated conditions and 3 actual conditions, it is found that the closer the load position is to the damaged transverse connection member, the higher the accuracy of damage identification.

Key words: prefabricated T-beam bridge, transverse connecting member, damage identification, numerical analysis