Abstract:The finite element models for rib-to-deck joints of Sutong Yangtze River bridge are established,the hot-spot stress along the weld toe and the stress concentration factor at weld toe are studied with several methods for determinig hot-spot stress,and the influence of element type and meshing requirement on computing results are comprehensively analyzed.In order to validate numerical analysis results,the test for stress distribution along the weld toe is carried out.As a result,the effective methods for computing hot-spot are founded,the stress distribution along weld toe and its stress concentration factor are gained.At last,the effect of some geometrical parameters on the stress concentration in the hot spots tress region is investigated.