Transportation Engineering Commons^™

Improved Bridge Expansion Joints, Sudhir Palle, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Bobby W. Meade

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has both open and closed bridge expansion joints and associated details that are problematic. Several state highway agencies (SHA) have joints that they believe are superior performers to other types and have prepared guidance documents for their use. A literature search indicated that several previous research studies, including national surveys, addressing SHA joint practices have been conducted over the past 10 years. For up-to-date information, a new set of surveys were developed and distributed to all the SHAs by email through the AASHTO Subcommittee on Maintenance-Bridge Technical Working Group chairman in June 2010. There were …

Developing Deterioration Models For Nebraska Bridges, George Morcous

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Automated Chemical Stabilizing Of Leaded Paint Residue From Bridge Maintenance Painting Operations, Bobby W. Meade, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study addressed the use of automated equipment to dose and mix lead stabilizing compounds to allow leaded paint residue/debris to be disposed at in-state contained landfills. The stabilizing would be conducted in situ at bridges being subjected to maintenance painting operations involving total coating removal and replacement. Many Kentucky bridges have existing painting that contains lead compounds at levels which may constitute hazardous wastes upon removal. The KYTC practice of recycling lead containing residue is working well at this time but the issue of a single recycler available continues to place KYTC in a position of returning to hazardous …

Kentucky Bridges With High-Strength Quenched And Tempered Steel, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Jared Fairchild

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has several bridges employing high-strength quenched and tempered (QT) steels. In the past several decades, weld and corrosion cracking problems have occurred with QT steel in three KYTC bridges. This material has typically been employed on large bridges in fracture-critical members which increases the concern about these steels. This study was performed to review the KYTC steel bridge inventory and identify bridges/structural member containing QT steels. The list consisted of any KYTC maintained bridge with an individual span greater than 150 feet. KTC used this list to identify each bridge and members containing QT steel. …

Design Aids Of Nu I-Grinder Bridges, Kromel Hanna, George Morcous, Maher K. Tadros

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Nondestructive Testing Of Defective Astm A 514 Steel On The I ‐ 275 Combs‐Hehl Twin Bridges Over The Ohio River In Campbell County, Kentucky, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Three defective ASTM A 514 steel splice plates were discovered on the I-275 Combs-Hehl twin bridges over the Ohio River. A follow-on in-depth field inspection of 1,356 A 514 steel plates on the bridges revealed 14 additional defective gusset and splice plates. The A 514 steel was improperly heat-treated resulting in a brittle crack-prone microstructure. Ultrasonic and impact hardness tests were used to identify the defective steel. Subsequently, the defective steel plates were either removed or lapped with additional steel plates.

Experimental Painting Of The I-64 Riverside Parkway In Louisville, Ky, Rick Younce, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet conducted a large-scale zone maintenance painting operation on 13 elevated steel bridges along the I-64 Riverside Parkway in Louisville, KY in 2007. That work included abrasive blast-cleaning and painting of steel underlying open deck joints on 3.2 miles of steel structures. The painting was performed by spray application of one coat of a calcium sulfonate alkyd coating. The painting covered an area of 237,060 ft2 of steel cleaned and painted at a unit cost of $15.82/ft2.

The project incorporated a high level of containment as the existing coating possessed lead-based paints and the project was located …

Implementation Of Conductive Concrete For Deicing (Roca Bridge), Christopher Y. Tuan

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Site Investigation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jindong Hu, Tong Zhao, Issam E. Harik, Jian Xie

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Determination of the seismic risk of the bridges on and over the parkways in Western Kentucky requires evaluating the current condition of the individual elements of the bridges. Except for culverts, all bridges were visually inspected, photographed and the records were stored in a database. Data of the visual inspection and the photographs were combined to form the completed site inspection forms. Any visually observed deficiencies of the bridge elements were recorded.

A Compact Disc (CD) that includes pictures of the bridges is attached to this report. The site inspection forms of all bridges on and over the parkways in …

Preliminary Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jian Xie, Issam E. Harik, Tong Zhao, Jindong Hu

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Five parkways in Western Kentucky are located in the region that is greatly influenced by the New Madrid and Wabash Valley Seismic Zones. This report executes a preliminary screening process, known also as the Seismic Rating System, for bridges on and over parkways in Western Kentucky to identify the seismic vulnerable bridges.

The ranking of bridges derived from this rating system is based on: structural vulnerability, seismic and geotechnical hazards, and bridge importance. There are 349 bridges were ranked with the Seismic Inventory of Bridges (SIB), a user-oriented database program developed according to the Seismic Retrofitting Manual. The bridge ranks …

Prevention Of Voc Releases From Bridge Painting Operations, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Rick Younce, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Bridge maintenance painting employs solvent-based coatings that generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air-quality problems. Methods for capturing VOCs during normal Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) maintenance painting operations were investigated. One method, activated carbon adsorption, is adaptable to KYTC operations. Related factors including area of bridge, coating systems, containment volumes and VOC out gassing rates were reviewed. A commercial source of activated carbon adsorption equipment was identified and issues related to employing that technology for bridge painting were identified.

Three Innovative Concepts For Short Span Steel Bridges, Aaron Jon Yakel, Atorod Azizinamini, Mohammadreza Farimani, Nazzanin Mossahebi

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Site Investigation Of Bridges Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Determination of the seismic risk of the I-24 bridges requires evaluating the current condition of all individual elements of the bridges. All bridges along the I-24 were visually inspected, pictured, and the records were stored in a database. Data of the visual inspection and the pictures were combined to form the completed site inspection forms of the I-24 bridges. Main visually observed deficiencies of the bridge elements were pointed out. The site inspection forms of all bridges on/over the I-24 in western Kentucky are used together with the bridge inventory to obtain different statistical figures regarding the characteristics of the …

Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridge Embankments Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of I-24 Bridges investigative series. The focus is on slope or embankment stability and liquefaction potential of embankments of bridges along I-24 in Western Kentucky. A rating system is derived to assist in identifying and prioritizing bridge embankments that are susceptible to failure during to projected seismic events. Embankments of one hundred and twenty seven (127) bridges along I-24 in Western Kentucky are evaluated for 50-year and 250-year seismic events. Fifty-two (52) of the 127 embankments were rated as ‘critical’ for the 50-year event, and 60 were rated as ‘critical’ for the …

Seismic Evaluation Of The Cumberland River Bridges On I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael A. Zatar, Wei-Xin Ren, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The main objective of this study is to assess the structural integrity of the I-24 parallel bridges at the Cumberland River crossing in western Kentucky. Due to its importance, the bridge is evaluated for the 250-year event and the maximum credible 500-year event. The scope of the work included: 1) Field testing of the main bridge; 2) Finite element modeling and calibration; 3) Time-history seismic response analysis for the main spans; and 4) Seismic evaluation for both the main and the approach spans. The seismic analysis for the 250-year event indicates that the main spans of the bridge can resist …

Preliminary Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridges Along I-24 In Western Kentucky, Wael Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Peng Yuan, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of I-24 Bridges investigative series. The focus is on preliminary seismic evaluation and ranking of bridges according to their seismic vulnerability. Bridges along I-24 are considered in this investigation. The ranking will assist in identifying and prioritizing bridges for secondary evaluation, retrofit measure, or other course of action. The rating system described herein is based on a methodology provided by the FHWA Retrofitting Manual for highway bridges. One hundred and twenty seven (127) highway bridges were evaluated and rated in this process for projected 50-year and 250-year seismic events. The Tennessee River …

Seismic Evaluation Of I-24 Bridges And Embankments In Western Kentucky–Summary Report, Wael A. Zatar, Issam E. Harik, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

I-24 is considered as one of the high priority and emergency routes in the region. Hence, it is essential that I-24 remains functional and operational after an earthquake event. The objective of this study is to perform seismic evaluation and risk assessment of bridges and embankments along I-24 in western Kentucky. The assessment assists identifying and prioritizing bridges that are susceptible to failure.

The study aims at evaluating the seismic risk for 127 bridges, of which 82 bridges lies on I-24 and 45 bridges cross over I-24. This report is the first (1st) in a series of seven reports for …

Coatings, Sealants, And Fillers To Address Bridge Concrete Deterioration And Aesthetics-Phase 1, Sudhir Palle, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study addresses experimental evaluation and testing of concrete coatings for maintenance purposes on structural (steel reinforced) concrete. The test methods employed are intended to identify coatings and sealers for eventual incorporation into a qualified products list for structural concrete coatings. Some of the methods/procedures used in this study will be used in the future to evaluate additional coatings and sealers. Developmental work focused on identifying relevant coatings systems and laboratory tests. The objectives of experimental project monitoring were to: 1) identify existing viable concrete coatings along with their properties/ characteristics/surface preparation requirements and determine effective acceptance/evaluation tests for those …

Disposal Of Bridge Paint Residue, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Paint residue generated by bridge maintenance painting commonly contains lead requiring the residue to be disposed of as a hazardous waste. Several alternatives are being investigated in this study, chemical stabilization and recycling as options for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to consider in addressing the waste stream generated by bridge maintenance painting operations.

In the initial portion of this study, four chemical stabilization materials were identified as candidates for xperimental/demonstration projects entailing maintenance painting. A recycling option was also provided. An experimental bridge painting project was let by KYTC to investigate the use of two chemical stabilizers and the …

Evaluation Of Alternate Cable Anchor Designs And Three-Cable Guardrail Adjacent To Steep Slope, Ryan M. Nelson, Dean L. Sicking, Ronald K. Faller, John D. Reid, John R. Rohde, Karla A. Polivka, Jason A. Hascall

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of The Service Performance Of Bridge Components, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Robert Brown

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was initiated to provide review of common bridges to determine the performance of their components. Seven bridge types were selected that constituted 85 % of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) bridge inventory. 319 bridges were inspected by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KTC) researchers, representing 5 about % of those bridges. Common details/components were identified and evaluated including features of interest to the KYTC Study Advisory Committee. In addition to those findings, KTC researchers evaluated KYTC National Bridge Inventory reports and maintenance needs forms for the same bridges.

Design modifications/material changes were recommended to improve performance of new bridges. Additionally, …

Nu-Deck Precast Deck Panels And Innovative Bridge Research And Construction, Maher K. Tadros, Charles J. Vranek

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Most of the deficiency in existing stringer-type bridges lie in deterioration of the bridge deck. Cast-in-place reinforced concrete decks experience cracking shortly after construction due to large differential creep and shrinkage with the supporting beams, and due to the temperature drop experienced during the hydration cycle. The NUDECK (Nebraska University) system is a full-depth precast/prestressed concrete bridge deck panel system. The combination of high performance precast concrete, where little creep and shrinkage occur after the deck is made composite with the beams, and two-way prestressing assure continued pre-compression of the deck during its life. With this system, construction time and …

Development Of A Design Guideline For Phase Construction Of Steel Girder Bridges, Atorod Azizinamini

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Survey Of Welding Processes, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The current KYTC “SPECIAL PROVISION NO. 4 WELDING STEEL BRIDGES” prohibits the use of welding processes other than shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and submerged arc welding (SAW). Nationally, bridge welding is codified under ANSI/AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5:2002 Bridge Welding Code. That document allows the use of other welding processes including flux core arc welding, gas metal arc welding, electroslag welding and electrogas welding after passing qualification tests.

Both the KYTC Special Provision and the Bridge Welding Code were reviewed. Representatives from 14 state highway agencies, fabrication shops, universities and welding equipment firms were questioned regarding the wider use of the welding …

Experimental Maintenance Painting On The I-64 Riverside Expressway In Louisville, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Bobby W. Meade, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Riverside Parkway comprises some 3.2 miles of elevated steel (plate-girder) in downtown Louisville having approximately 24,054 tons of steel. The structures had existing coatings that contained lead. The project posed significant operational and public safety and operational constraints due to close proximity of the structures with residences and businesses along the entire route. In 1996, the KYTC Paint Team developed experimental specifications to re-paint the Parkway by overcoating. Surface preparation procedures included 3,000-psi pressure washing and power-tool cleaning. Containment enclosures were employed throughout the project and hazardous wastes were collected and disposed of. The Parkway spans were painted with …

Environmentally Safe Protective Coatings For Steel Structures-New Construction And Maintenance Painting, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to: 1) assist KyTC in identifying protective coatings lor structural steel that would meet current and pending environmental regulations, I and 2) to evaluate overcoating procedures that would be cost-effective and provide regulatory (OSHA and EPA) compliance.

A coatings research program was conducted that included: 1) laboratory accelerated corrosion/weathering tests, 2) field exposure tests, and 3) experimental maintenance I painting of entire bridges by overcoating. Each of those tasks was intended to address different issues. Regulations concerning volatile organic compound limits lor coating systems used in new construction were studied and recommendations provided to …

Stress Measurements On The I 65 Bridge Over The Ohio River At Louisville, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Kentucky Transportation Center personnel conducted measurements of live stresses on structural members of the I 65 (John F. Kennedy Memorial) Bridge over the Ohio River. That work was performed in conjunction with an extensive flaw evaluation of the bridge by Hazelet & Erdal Consulting Engineers.

The measurements were performed by placing strain gages on the upper chord (an H-beam) and a vertical post and transverse strut that were framed into the upper chord at PP63 on the West truss. Measurements were performed using battery-powered data logging instruments that were capable of unattended strain measurement. The units were used to monitor …

Summary Of Stress Evaluations Of Welded Steel Bridges On Coal-Haul Routes, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Keith J. Hogan, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Stress analyses were performed on continuous girder welded steel bridges on extended weights coal-haul routes. The tests were intended to determine whether extended weight coal trucks pose fatigue problems to those bridges. Measurements were performed by strain gaging selected bridges subject to high coal transport tonnages. Stress measurements were conducted on fatigue-prone weld details or test sites where high tensile stresses were anticipated. Test sites on the bridges were instrumented with strain gages. Strains induced by routine traffic including coal trucks were monitored for periods of one to two weeks. Unattended monitoring of the variable amplitude strain data was performed …

Stress Evaluation Of Welded Steel Bridges On Coal-Haul Routes, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Keith J. Hogan, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report describes the procedure developed and being employed to determine and assess live-load stresses in structural members of welded steel bridges on extended· weight coal haul routes. Those bridges are routinely subjected to loads from coal trucks in excess of those permitted on other routes. Those elevated loads may result in high stresses in bridge members. Of principal concern are certain weld details on steel bridges that are susceptible to fatigue cracking when subject to high live-load stresses. Seventeen welded steel bridges on extended-weight coal haul routes have been identified for investigation under this study.

The study test procedure …

The Removal Of Lead-Based Paint From Steel Bridges, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Christopher M. Oberst

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to assist the Department of Highways in conducting bridge-painting operations involving removal of existing lead-based paint. Pertinent state and Federal regulations affecting generation of hazardous wastes, limiting environmental pollution and protecting public and worker safety were obtained and reviewed.State highway agendas were surveyed relative to how they conducted maintenance bridge painting involving lead-based. paints and comply with applicable regulations. Information from the painting industry related to sale removal of lead-based paints was also reviewed.

Based upon the reviews of applicable regulations, operations of other state highway agencies and painting industry practices, the best demonstrated …