Preservation of Missouri Transportation Infrastructure: Flexural upgrade of Deficient Bridges with Composites |
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Status | Complete View Reports |
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Sequential Number | R119 |
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Matching Research Agency | Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) |
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Principal Investigator | Dr. John J. Myers, P.E.
Assistant Professor
Missouri University of Science & Technology
325 Butler-Carlton Hall
Rolla, Missouri, 65409 | | p | (573) 341-6618 | | f | (573) 341-6215 | | jmyers@mst.edu |
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Student Involvement | One graduate research assistant |
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Project Objective | The overall goal of this research program is to make the technology of bridge strengthening with composites fully available to bridge owners and professionals. The program aims to provide sound and economical methods to help with the preservation of Missouri transportation infrastructure. The technology for strengthening existing concrete bridges using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials is well founded, with many international guides now having been written (ACI-440 Committee 2002; fib TG9.3 Committee 2001; JSCE Sub-Committee 1997), but transfer of this technology to bridge owners, in particular, needs to be conducted as a matter of urgency. |
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Project Abstract | This research program will therefore focus on bridge superstructure and, in particular, on the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) bridges with single or multiple spans acting as simply supported members, with the purpose of increasing their flexural capacities. Shear strengthening of girders will not be undertaken unless calculations show that it is necessary, and MoDOT agrees that such shear strengthening should be undertaken. The advanced material systems to be utilized in this research program will be limited to two much-used forms of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites: externally bonded CFRP laminates installed by manual lay up or adhered as pre-cured laminates; and near surface mounted (NSM) FRP bars.
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Anticipated Benefits | The goal of this project, translated into an operative mandate, means the development of specifications in AASHTO language that cover all aspects of the strengthening process, starting from the assessment and evaluation of the candidate structure prior to strengthening, and finishing with its inspection and maintenance after strengthening is completed. Through MoDOT coordination, AASHTO Technical Committee T-21 will be informed with regard to the work being conducted by the Missouri S&T (formerly UMR) team. This will include holding periodic meetings with the committee, and providing technical assistance as requested by the committee, including yearly reports. |
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Modal Orientation | Bridge Assessment |
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Milestones | | Project Start Date: | 05/01/2003 | | Project End Date: | 07/31/2008 |
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Relationship to other Research/Projects | N/A |
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Technology Transfer Activities | The Missouri S&T (formerly UMR) team will also communicate on a regular basis with the composites industry and industry-sponsored organizations that are developing industry standards which would be compatible with AASHTO specifications, and with professional and trade organizations that are compiling syntheses of existing specifications. |
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Transportation Research Board Keywords | Transportation, Infrastructure |
