SEAHIVE® solutions to mitigate bridge scour – Phase III (UM)
This is a collaborative research project conducted in partnership with Texas State University. Phases I and II of the project were conducted during AY24 and AY25. This one-year proposal is for Phase III of the three-phase project. The objective of this research project is to show a proof-of-concept of using innovative hydraulic load dissipating elements, known as SEAHIVE®. This is a modular engineered protection system composed of concrete perforated hexagonal prisms. Perforations on the side faces of the elements provide passage for water flow dissipating the energy within the system while also adding structural complexity which improves its potential for habitat creation. SEAHIVE® has been under research and development at the University of Miami (UM) for wave energy dissipation and habitat enhancement with three pilot installations completed. This UTC study investigates the performance of the SEAHIVE® system intended for mitigating bridge scour. This project has the potential to create a consortium-wide effort for implementing the SEAHIVE® system into practice and changing how we design or retrofit bridge foundations for mitigating scour. Phase I focused on externally-prestressed elements given the mass production and scaling-up advantage. Externally prestressed (by Glass FRP rovings) units were produced by the dry-cast method with the same equipment used for the production of concrete pipes. Phase II focused on the production of internally-prestressed units using a revolutionary mold system. Using this technique, it will be possible to increase production efficiency and, as importantly, manufacture units of lengths up to 24 ft. that could be necessary for installation in riverine environments. The units produced with this technology were characterized. Phase III deals with the production and characterization of elements made by wet-casting using a combination of randomly distributed short fibers for the control of cracking with and without the presence of transverse and longitudinal reinforcement made of GFRP bars. This investigation is made possible because of the special formwork that has recently been constructed as shown in Figure 1. Figure1: Custom SEAHIVE® formwork The behavior of these units will be compared to others produced with the technologies investigated in the previous Phases I and II.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $51,441.00
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Contract Numbers:
69A3552348330
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590Coastal Research and Transportation Education (CREATE) University Transportation Center
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX United States 78666University of Miami, Coral Gables
Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering
Coral Gables, FL United States 33146 -
Managing Organizations:
Coastal Research and Transportation Education (CREATE) University Transportation Center
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX United States 78666 -
Project Managers:
Bruner, Britain
Kulesza, Stacey
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Performing Organizations:
University of Miami, Coral Gables
Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering
Coral Gables, FL United States 33146 -
Principal Investigators:
Nanni, Antonio
Barbarigos, Landolf
Kulesza, Stacey
- Start Date: 20260102
- Expected Completion Date: 20261231
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bridge foundations; Casting; Design; Fiber reinforced concrete; Scour; Substructures
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01978094
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Coastal Research and Transportation Education (CREATE) University Transportation Center
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348330
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Jan 31 2026 10:52AM