Characterization of Bridge Deck Runoff

In this study, time-weighted composite samples of bridge runoff and hourly traffic data were collected at four sampling locations in Nebraska. Total suspended solids (TSS) and hexane extractable material (HEM) had the highest concentrations during the first rainfall event of the year, while other constituent concentrations peaked during the third rainfall event of the year. In general, constituent concentrations were highest in the spring, and then decreased throughout the summer and fall. Average concentrations of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), TSS, chloride, iron, and lead measured in this study were higher than those found in the previous Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) study at the same sampling locations. For lead and iron, it was difficult to observe a direct relationship between concentration and Antecedent Dry Period (ADP), or concentration and daily traffic. However, there was a stronger correlation (R² = 0.3716) between traffic during ADP and the concentration of zinc. This difference may be explained in the sources of these metals in runoff. The only source of zinc in bridge deck runoff is vehicle wear, but the sources of iron include the materials and structure of the bridge in addition to vehicle materials. Therefore, to improve the correlation for iron and lead, it is necessary to consider other variables such as bridge design and bridge materials, or other non-bridge related sources.

• Record URL:
  https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ndor/178
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Nebraska, Lincoln

  Department of Civil Engineering
  Omaha, NE  United States  68182-0178

  Nebraska Department of Roads

  1500 Highway 2, P.O. Box 94759
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68509
• Authors:
  • Bartelt-Hunt, Shannon
  • Jones, Elizabeth
  • Barrios, Renys
• Publication Date: 2015-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 154p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Contaminants; Iron; Lead (Metal); Runoff; Seasons; Traffic data; Water quality; Zinc
• Geographic Terms: Nebraska
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Environment; Highways; I15: Environment; I26: Water Run-off - Freeze-thaw;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01557300
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SPR-P1(14) M009, 26-1121-4017-001
• Contract Numbers: M009
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 19 2015 12:05PM