Experimental Study on Seismic Retrofit Techniques for Cap Beams, Columns and their Connections of Highway Bridges |
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Sequential Number | R89 |
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Matching Research Agency | Missouri Department of Transportation |
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Principal Investigator | Genda Chen, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate Professor
University of Missouri-Rolla
328 Civil Engineering Bldg., 1870 Miner Circle
Rolla, MO 65409-0030 | | p | 573-341-4462 | | f | 573-341-4729 | | gchen@mst.edu |
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Student Involvement | Xiaofei Ying |
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Project Objective | This study is aimed at: (1) to experimentally investigate the shear and flexural capacity of cap beams and their corresponding columns that are typical in the state of Missouri, (2) to study the cyclic behavior of beam-column joints, and (3) to develop effective retrofit techniques for the seismic upgrading of the cap beams, columns, and their connections. |
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Project Abstract | To effectively demonstrate the performance of various retrofitting techniques, large- or full-scale test specimens will be tested. The design of the specimens will follow the past practice of the Missouri Department of Transportation. To evaluate the performance of the test units under simulated seismic loading, each test unit will be monitored with LVDTs and strain gages. Testing of the test units will be conducted under quasi-static reversed cyclic loading to induce axial and shear forces as well as bending moments in the specimen, representing different loading conditions in field. |
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Anticipated Benefits | There is an urgent need to develop design guidelines for the retrofit of bridge beam-column joints. The application of the proposed experimental study will lead to retrofit schemes that will be both efficient and economically competitive. The proposed retrofit schemes will address the following requirements; (1) it is rather easy and simple to implement in the field, (2) traffic disruptions are maintained at minimum levels, and (3) it is durable.
The research results of this study can be used to effectively retrofit inadequate bridges along US60 and other emergency routes for enhanced performance. As a result, 76% of the bridges along US60 without seismic design can be upgraded to comply with the modern design codes; 24% of bridges will unlikely fail in a brittle manner during earthquakes. These efforts will ultimately reduce the potential loss of lives and property damage in Southeast Missouri in the event of a catastrophic earthquake event. |
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Modal Orientation | Beam-column joint assessment, experimental study |
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Milestones | | Project Start Date: | 01/01/2003 | | Project End Date: | 12/31/2004 |
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Relationship to other Research/Projects | Matching to the MODOT project |
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Technology Transfer Activities | The research results will be disseminated at the national and international conferences. |
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Transportation Research Board Keywords | Experimental evaluation of beams-columns joints, bridge assessment |
