Assessing the Damage Potential in Pretensioned Bridges, Caused by Increased Truck Loads Due to Freight Movements (Phase 1)

When evaluating the condition of existing bridges, determining in situ stresses in the members provides valuable information about the condition of the structures. In this study, a method of surface strain relief was investigated whereby the change in strain at the surface of concrete members is used to determine the in situ stress. The method involved mounting a linear electrical-resistance strain gage along the axis of maximum stress, coring around the gage, and then relating the change in strain to the corresponding stress in the member. Members were fabricated and varying stresses were applied in order to determine the accuracy of the method. Results were then compared to the global stresses and to the theoretical local stresses predicted by two different finite element models. In order to improve the accuracy of the surface-strain relief method, a procedure was introduced whereby the core was fractured along its base and subsequently removed from the member. This served to eliminate possible shear stresses between the core and surrounding member, allowing for the full release of strains.

• Record URL:
  http://matc.unl.edu/assets/documents/finalreports/Peterman_AssessingtheDamagePotentialinPretensionedBridgesCausedbyIncreasedTruckLoadsDuetoFreightMovements%28PhaseI%29.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/34471
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Mid-America Transportation Center

  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68583-0851

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Peterman, Robert J
  • Hammerschmidt, Steven
• Publication Date: 2010-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 35p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge members; Concrete bridges; Core samples; Field tests; Finite element method; Strain (Mechanics); Strain gages; Stresses; Structural analysis
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01469956
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 25-1121-0001-110, MATC-KSU: 110
• Files: UTC, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 17 2013 1:56PM