Research Activities: 2007
Project 2c: Alternative and Cost-Effective Bridge Approach Slabs - UMC | |||||||||
Status |
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Sequential Number | R240 | ||||||||
Identification Number | |||||||||
Matching Research Agency | Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and University of Missouri - Columbia (UMC) | ||||||||
Principal Investigator |
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Student Involvement | One graduate student and one or more undergraduate students. | ||||||||
Project Objective | 1. Evaluate and document the current condition of existing bridge approach slabs with data available with MoDOT and gather additional data from a field study. From this study, the primary issues associated with the performance of approach slabs will be identified. 2. Perform a best practice study of similar work done around the country and the practices adopted as a result of the study. Particularly review existing practices and innovations in Iowa, New Jersey and Louisiana DOTs. 3. Study the effect of a) span length variation, b) slab thickness variation and c) end condition variations in order to design a slab that could potentially withstand varying geotechnical conditions. 4. Study the feasibility of alternative solutions such as precast prestressed systems from both a design and construction cost perspective. 5. Provide final design specifications and acceptance criterion for the proposed bridge approach slab system | ||||||||
Project Abstract | 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. | ||||||||
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 |
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Relationship to other Research/Projects | This project, in partnership between UMKC and UMC, is a part of a larger collaborative research effort among MST, UMC, UMKC and MoDOT with a focus on two theme areas: 1. Extending service life of MoDOT’s existing bridges: performance goals, critical deficiency identification, cost-effective maintenance and preservation strategies (corrosion mitigation, strengthening, evaluation, etc.). 2. Optimizing MoDOT’s bridge design and construction for effective cost reduction: performance goals, consistent safety margins for bridge components, advanced materials for durability and performance enhancement, and accelerated construction technologies. | ||||||||
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 for field implementation of such systems. | ||||||||
Transportation Research Board Keywords | Bridge approach slab, Prestressed Concrete, Fiber Reinforced Concrete, Design, Testing | ||||||||