Research Activities: 2007
Project 2c: Alternative and Cost-Effective Bridge Approach Slabs - UMKC | |||||||||
Status |
| ||||||||
Sequential Number | R241 | ||||||||
Identification Number | 00024807 | ||||||||
Matching Research Agency |
Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and University of Missouri Kansas City - UMKC | ||||||||
Principal Investigator |
| ||||||||
Student Involvement | One graduate student and possibly an undergraduate student will be involved with the project. | ||||||||
Project Objective | The primary objectives of the proposed project are to investigate the causes for any bumps at the end of the bridge approach slab, and to develop remedial measures or alternative designs for a replacement. It is clear that the problem stems from geotechnical considerations. In many instances compaction of soil under uncertain conditions when the bridge is being constructed may not be properly achieved. Hence, the geotechnical issues are likely to continue to exist. From the structures’ point of view, how we can design a bridge approach slab to save construction costs given a certain settlement is a question to answer. | ||||||||
Project Abstract | The goal of this project is to find cost-effective alternative solutions for bridge approach slabs that will be ready for field implementation at the completion of this project. The primary objectives of the proposed study are to: 1) Investigate and recommend alternative design solutions with the aim to reduce the cost of construction of a bridge approach slab, and 2) Develop remedial measures or alternative designs for a replacement. It is clear that the problem of cracking and riding discomfort due to the “bump at the end of the bridge” stems largely from geotechnical considerations. In many instances compaction of soils under uncertain conditions when the bridge is being constructed may not be properly achieved. This study will be focused on cost-effective structural solutions, provided that differential settlements cannot be entirely mitigated by geotechnical solutions. | ||||||||
Task Description |
N/A | ||||||||
Anticipated Benefits | The anticipated results from this study can provide data that could potentially assist MoDOT engineers evaluate the performance of bridge approach slabs and the causes behind the bump’. The results will also provide MoDOT engineers with alternate structural solutions when a bridge approach slab is being considered. | ||||||||
Milestones |
| ||||||||
Relationship to other Research/Projects | N/A | ||||||||
Technology Transfer Activities | The final product will be a report consisting of any test data available from other state DOTs, analysis of results, acceptance criteria for existing and the proposed bridge approach slab systems. It will also include recommendations of field implementation of such systems. A detailed study of the problems with existing bridge approach slabs will also be presented. | ||||||||
Transportation Research Board Keywords |
Bridge, Approach Slab, Reinforced Concrete | ||||||||