Protocol for Evaluation of Existing Bridges

The proposed project will develop protocols for evaluation of existing bridges. The proposed research will involve identification of problems to be addressed -- for example, verification of the load distribution factors, actual live load (weight of trucks), dynamic load factors, minimum load carrying capacity, or fatigue load spectra. The available field-testing procedures will be presented and described. The developed protocols will include description of the required equipment and operational guides. The protocols will also include the assessment of accuracy, potential problems, and best practice observations. The field tests will include the measurement of strain and deflection, with the objective of determining/verifying the dynamic load factor, girder distribution factor, and minimum load carrying capacity. Field-testing will be applied to pre-selected representative structural types and materials, so that the obtained results can be applied to a wider population of bridges. Field-testing will involve instrumentation using strain gauges and LVDT's, a power generator, and a data acquisition system. The test load will be considered in the form of test trucks. For proof loading, it is efficient to use military tanks (acquirable from local National Guard). The developed protocols will be demonstrated on three selected bridges. The structures will be selected in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR). Field tests will be performed to verify the live load distribution factor, dynamic load factor, and minimum load carrying capacity by proof load test.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $60964.00
• Contract Numbers:

  DTRT12-G-UTC07

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  University Transportation Centers Program
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Performing Organizations:

  Mid-America Transportation Center

  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68583-0851
• Principal Investigators:

  Nowak, Andrzej

  Maria, Szerszen

• Start Date: 20130701
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20141231
• Source Data: RiP Project 34760

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Best practices; Bridges; Evaluation and assessment; Fatigue (Mechanics); Field tests; Live loads; Load factor; Strain gages
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01487972
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Mid-America Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: DTRT12-G-UTC07
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jul 24 2013 1:02AM