Performance Testing of GRS Test Piers Constructed with Florida Aggregates - Axial Load Deformation Relationships

The objectives of this project are to: (1) Perform a background review of the literature and reports (research journals, FHWA reports, NCHRP 24-41, DOT reports from other states, and AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications) on GRS structures and pier tests. This will include test results and conclusions, designs of previous tests (H/L, types and properties of geosynthetics, facing elements), design guidelines in practice (axial capacity, internal capacity, aggregates, etc.), typical aggregates used in Florida, and their geotechnical properties. (2) Design 5 full-scale axial load-deformation tests of GRS piers built with the selected and FDOT-approved geosynthetic reinforcements, facing elements and aggregate. (3) Construct and test each GRS pier where the axial load applied at the top of the pier is developed using hydraulic jacks and measured using load cells, in conjunction with the vertical and horizontal pier displacement measured using linear displacement transducers. A load reaction frame will be designed for minimal deflection under two times the predicted maximum axial load. (4) Include internal instrumentation to measure the profiles of tensile strain distributions in the reinforcements and the vertical and horizontal earth pressures in the aggregate and on the facing blocks. (5) Compare the performance (deflection, maximum axial load at specific vertical strain, ultimate axial load, tensile load in reinforcement, horizontal earth pressures, etc.) with current design methods (FHWA) and proposed methods in the research literature (i.e., Zornberg, et al. 2018). (6) For all the tests of pier performance with different aggregate, reinforcement, and Sv, identify the axial loads at limiting service vertical and horizontal strains (?v = 0.5% and ?H = 2%, respectively), as recommended by FHWA. (7) Based on the findings of the research, make recommendations to the FDOT for predicting axial load capacity and vertical and horizontal deformation based on existing or modified methods or equations that account for aggregate properties, reinforcement strength, and Sv. Also, make recommendations for any future research that may be necessary.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $99851
• Contract Numbers:

  BED30 977-11

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Florida Department of Transportation

  Research Center
  605 Suwannee Street MS-30
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32399-0450
• Project Managers:

  Jones, Larry

• Performing Organizations:

  Florida Department of Transportation

  Research Center
  605 Suwannee Street MS-30
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32399-0450
• Principal Investigators:

  Washburn, Scott

• Start Date: 20230621
• Expected Completion Date: 20240731
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregates; Axial loads; Design methods; Geosynthetics; Performance tests; Piers (Supports); Reinforcing materials
• Geographic Terms: Florida
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01885442
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Florida Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: BED30 977-11
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 21 2023 11:47AM