Evaluation of Durability and Wear Characteristics of Viscous Fluid Dampers

This proposed effort will examine and evaluate the durability and wear characteristics of viscous fluid dampers, produced by multiple vendors, for long term applications in bridge retrofits with significant and sustained traffic loadings. Current field experience notes that viscous dampers endure significant traffic loadings and fluid leakage is the leading cause for denoting failure and replacement. The project will investigate the intrinsic causes of silicon fluid leakage from viscous dampers used for seismic mitigation and reinforcement in civil infrastructure (Vincent Thomas Bridge installation) resulting in a loss of operational capability. Damper construction details will be analyzed for EnidineTM and Taylor DevicesTM devices, currently in service at Vincent Thomas Bridge (VTB) and Oakland Bay Bridge (OBB), with a firsthand look at the internal damage contributing to leakage.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Sponsor Organizations:

  California Department of Transportation

  Sacramento, CA  United States  95819
• Project Managers:

  Sikorsky, Charles

• Performing Organizations:

  Regents of the University of California, San Diego

  San Diego, CA  United States 
• Start Date: 20121101
• Expected Completion Date: 20160430
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Dampers; Leakage; Retrofitting; Seismicity; Traffic loads; Viscous fluids
• Identifier Terms: Vincent Thomas Bridge
• Geographic Terms: Oakland Metropolitan Area
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01620573
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: California Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jan 4 2017 10:55AM