Plate and Tube Bridge Deck Evaluation in the Deck Test Bed of the Troutville, Virginia, Weigh Station

Plate and Tube Bridge Deck Evaluation in the Deck Test Bed of the Troutville, Virginia, Weigh Station
Author: Thomas E. Cousins
Publisher:
Total Pages: 18
Release: 2004
Genre: Bridges
ISBN:

This report addresses the laboratory and field performance of multi-cellular fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bridge deck systems. We focus specifically on FRP decks produced from adhesively bonded pultrusions where the core of the deck possesses a square geometry running transversely to traffic. In laboratory tests, two schemes of loading patches were designed: a steel patch dimensioned according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bridge Design Specifications, and a simulated tire patch constructed from an actual truck tire reinforced with silicon rubber. The stiffness, strength, and failure characteristics of the cellular FRP decks were examined using both loading patches. Our research shows that the effects of the stiffness and contact conditions of loading patches are significant. The simulated tire loading develops greater deflections given the same static load. The failure mode is localized and dominated by transverse bending failure of the composites under the simulated tire loading as compared to punching shear for the AASHTO recommended patch load. A field testing facility was designed and constructed in which FRP decks were installed, tested, and monitored to study the decks' in-service field performance. No significant loss of deck capacity was observed after field service. However, the long-term field monitoring and testing results showed that the unsupported edges (or free edges) are undesirable

Perspectives in Civil Engineering

Perspectives in Civil Engineering
Author: Jeffrey S. Russell
Publisher: ASCE Publications
Total Pages: 422
Release: 2003-01-01
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9780784475386

This report contains 27 papers that serve as a testament to the state-of-the-art of civil engineering at the outset of the 21st century, as well as to commemorate the ASCE's Sesquicentennial. Written by the leading practitioners, educators, and researchers of civil engineering, each of these peer-reviewed papers explores a particular aspect of civil engineering knowledge and practice. Each paper explores the development of a particular civil engineering specialty, including milestones and future barriers, constraints, and opportunities. The papers celebrate the history, heritage, and accomplishments of the profession in all facets of practice, including construction facilities, special structures, engineering mechanics, surveying and mapping, irrigation and water quality, forensics, computing, materials, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, and transportation engineering. While each paper is unique, collectively they provide a snapshot of the profession while offering thoughtful predictions of likely developments in the years to come. Together the papers illuminate the mounting complexity facing civil engineering stemming from rapid growth in scientific knowledge, technological development, and human populations, especially in the last 50 years. An overarching theme is the need for systems-level approaches and consideration from undergraduate education through advanced engineering materials, processes, technologies, and design methods and tools. These papers speak to the need for civil engineers of all specialties to recognize and embrace the growing interconnectedness of the global infrastructure, economy, society, and the need to work for more sustainable, life-cycle-oriented solutions. While embracing the past and the present, the papers collected here clearly have an eye on the future needs of ASCE and the civil engineering profession.

Bridge Deck Analysis

Bridge Deck Analysis
Author: Anthony Ralph Cusens
Publisher: Wiley-Interscience
Total Pages: 310
Release: 1975
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN:

Assessment of Nondestructive Testing Methods for Bridge Deck Evaluations

Assessment of Nondestructive Testing Methods for Bridge Deck Evaluations
Author: Tyler W. Robison
Publisher:
Total Pages: 205
Release: 2010
Genre: Bridges
ISBN: 9781124454689

The state of Wyoming has 13.1 million sq. ft of road bridges (FHWA 2009), and evaluations have become an important part of the Wyoming Department of Transportation's (WYDOT) management of bridge repairs. Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods developed in the past 20 years may provide an efficient, standardized, and accurate method for evaluating bridge deck conditions. This thesis presents the results of an exploratory study performed on three bridge decks in Wyoming: the First Street Bridge in Casper, the Douglas I-25 Bridge, and the Remount Bridge on I-80. The goal is to develop a practical solution that WYDOT can implement. In particular, the solution should capitalize on safety, efficiency and accuracy. The author evaluated each bridge using standard WYDOT practices for chain dragging and half cell potentials, along with newer technologies of impact echo, thermal imaging, and ground penetrating radar (GPR), which provides a comprehensive assessment of the NDT evaluation techniques. Cores removed from the bridges were compared to the results from the evaluation methods. Damage locations between impact echo, thermal imaging, and GPR generally correlated well and factors are presented in this thesis. This research suggests that a combination of impact echo with GPR testing provides the most accurate predictions of delamination, debonding, and active corrosion on bridge decks.