Accelerated Construction of the Highway Steel Overhead Sign Truss (SOST) through the Implementation of U-Bolt Connections

The load capacities of U-bolt connections used in Iowa DOT steel overhead sign trusses are not known because they are used in ways that do not match available manufacturer data. The previous phase of this research work determined the load capacity of these U-bolt connections based on the results from the limited laboratory tests and the parametric studies performed on the finite element (FE) models. It was pointed out that additional laboratory tests should be performed on high-strength U-bolts subject to static loading in multiple directions. In order to resolve the concerns left from the previous phase of this research, this proposal is drafted with a goal to investigate the structural behavior of the U-bolt connections and evaluate the capacity of the U-bolt connections subject to various loading directions and validate the analytical results developed in the previous research. To achieve the proposed objectives, a five-task 12-month research plan consisting of multiple stages of laboratory tests was developed. The research results will assist contractors in effectively and efficiently designing overhead sign support sign structures without concern for the capacity and safety of the U-bolt connections.

• Record URL:
  https://abc-utc.fiu.edu/research-projects/isu-research-projects/accelerated-construction-of-the-highway-steel-overhead-sign-truss-sost-through-the-implementation-of-u-bolt-connections/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $70000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747121

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)

  Florida International University
  10555 W. Flagler Street
  Miami, FL  United States  33174

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Performing Organizations:

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
  Town Engineering Building
  Ames, IA  United States  50011-3232
• Principal Investigators:

  Liu, Zhengyu

• Start Date: 20221101
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bolts; Load limits; Overhead traffic signs; Structural connection
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01889269
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747121
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jul 28 2023 9:02AM