Development of Comprehensive Inspection Protocols for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends

Recent research has developed new improved procedures that accurately describe the remaining loadcarrying capacity of these deteriorated members. These new procedures are based on computational simulations and experimental testing of real deteriorated beams. The outcome of a recently completed research project (“Development of Load Rating Procedures for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends,” completed July 2019) has found new parameters that are extremely important when assessing the residual capacity of the bridge and the load rating procedure. Examples of these parameters include the out-of-plane imperfection of the beam web, the surface area of corrosion, and others. Currently, inspectors are not aware of the new findings and these important parameters, and they have no clear guidance on what and how to measure when inspecting a deteriorated beam end. Drawing on the recent findings made while developing new load rating procedures, the project at hand first documents the current state of practice of beam end inspections, then explores new technological solutions for improvement of these inspection techniques using LiDAR and unmanned aircraft systems (drones), and finally performs preliminary analysis of a bridge system.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Completed
  • Contract Numbers:

    22-028

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Massachusetts Department of Transportation

    10 Park Plaza
    Boston, MA  United States  02116
  • Principal Investigators:

    Gerasimidis, Simos

  • Start Date: 20200201
  • Expected Completion Date: 0
  • Actual Completion Date: 20220331

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01848415
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Massachusetts Department of Transportation
  • Contract Numbers: 22-028
  • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Jun 13 2022 9:55AM