Evaluating the Effectiveness of Vibration-Mitigation Devices for Structural Supports of Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals

Structural supports for signs, luminaires, and traffic signals are typically characterized by high flexibility and low damping, which makes them prone to wind-induced vibration and susceptible to fatigue and structural failure. The use of vibration-mitigation devices could reduce the induced vibration thereby increasing the life of new and existing structures; reducing the costs of new structures; contributing to improved safety for the traveling public; and reducing maintenance, inspection, and repair costs. Although several mitigation devices have been proposed, only a few have been used, primarily due to the absence of test methods for evaluating their effectiveness and implications in the structural design process. Research is needed to develop test procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of these vibration-mitigation devices and considering their effect on the structural design process. Incorporating such procedures into the AASHTO LRFD Specifications for Structural Supports for Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals (AASHTO LRFD SLTS Specifications) would facilitate the use of effective vibration-mitigation devices for new and existing structures and help accrue economic and other benefits. The objectives of this research were to (1) develop test procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of vibration-mitigation devices for structural supports of signs, luminaires, and traffic signals and (2) propose procedures for considering the effectiveness of these devices in the design process of the structural supports. The findings of this research led to incremental advancement in the body of knowledge on this topic. NCHRP 12-111 Final Contractor's Report is now available. Draft procedures, derived from this research, were given to AASHTO for consideration for potential incorporation into the AASHTO LRFD SLTS Specifications.

• Record URL:
  http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=4043

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $400000
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 12-111

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 225
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Project Managers:

  Crichton-Sumners, C

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Connecticut, Storrs

  Storrs, CT  United States  06268-5202
• Principal Investigators:

  Christenson, Richard

• Start Date: 20170403
• Expected Completion Date: 20220819
• Actual Completion Date: 20220819
• Source Data: RiP Project 40207

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Damping (Physics); Lighting columns; Load and resistance factor design; Specifications; Structural supports; Test procedures; Traffic signals; Traffic signs; Vibration; Vibration control
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01572392
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 12-111
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Aug 7 2015 1:01AM