Capacity Prediction of Repaired and Unrepaired Bridge Beams with Deteriorated Ends

Deterioration of the ends of bridge beams can compromise the structural integrity of the beam itself, as well as that of the superstructure system. It is important to know when action, such as an updated load rating analysis, additional monitoring, installation of temporary supports, beam retrofit, or bridge closure is needed. Load rating engineers must be able to determine the capacity of the beam in the deteriorated and repaired states in order to ensure that the bridge can safely carry Michigan legal and permit loads. Programming and resource challenges highlight the importance of employing the strategy that best addresses capacity concerns, makes efficient use of limited resources and is in alignment with the remaining life span of the bridge. This will ensure that public safety is maintained, while also avoiding potentially unnecessary restrictions on the motoring public. Research will focus primarily on concrete beams, though it is anticipated that approximately 30% of the research will focus on specific areas of concern for steel beams. These areas of concern include capacity prediction of beam ends with holes, impact on beam capacity due to pack rust between members of a built-up section, longevity and fatigue prediction of bolted steel repairs, recommendations for use of bolted versus welded repairs, and impact on capacity when the base metal cracks beneath a bolted repair.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Sponsor Organizations:

  Michigan Department of Transportation

  Van Wagoner Building
  425 W. Ottawa Street
  Lansing, MI  United States  48909
• Principal Investigators:

  Attanayake, Upul

• Start Date: 20221001
• Expected Completion Date: 20240930
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Beams; Bearing capacity; Bridges; Service life
• Geographic Terms: Michigan
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Maintenance and Preservation; Safety and Human Factors; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01874973
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Michigan Department of Transportation
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 27 2023 9:35AM