3D-Printed Lattice-Based Structures for Next Generation Bridge Bearings and Bridge Isolation Bearings
Bridge bearings are installed between the bridge substructure and the superstructure to transfer loads and allow controlled translations to reduce stresses in the structure. In deteriorated and aging bridges, the old bearing system commonly needs to be replaced, and these replacements are currently very costly. Recent progress in 3D printing applications through a recent Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Phase I research project examined a new promising, customizable design for typical bridge bearings and isolation bearings. The current project will develop a prototype bearing system using concepts from architected lattice materials and aspire to manufacture and test the 3D printing bearing systems. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the proposed research include computational and experimental work to develop a new architected material bridge bearing product and test it for vertical, transverse, and other load conditions. In addition, the proposed research will aim to develop recommendations regarding the technoeconomic decision-making process (including cost models) informing how to apply the new prototype and identify the technical capabilities to achieve a cost-effective solution that can be implemented in the field.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $270,000.00
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Contract Numbers:
121135
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Sponsor Organizations:
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA United States 02116 -
Project Managers:
Flanary, Michael
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Performing Organizations:
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
130 Natural Resources Road
Amherst, MA United States 01003 -
Principal Investigators:
Simos, Gerasimidis
- Start Date: 20230401
- Expected Completion Date: 20260930
- Actual Completion Date: 0
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Bridge bearings; Loads; Materials; Research; Three dimensional printing; Vibration isolation
- Geographic Terms: Massachusetts
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Research;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01992423
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Massachusetts Department of Transportation
- Contract Numbers: 121135
- Files: RIP, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Jun 15 2026 3:23PM