Development and Validation of a Sensor-Based Health Monitoring Model for the Parkview Bridge Deck

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) using full-depth precast deck panels is an innovative technique that brings all the benefits listed under ABC to full fruition. However, this technique needs to be evaluated and the performance of the bridge needs to be monitored. Sensor networks, also known as health monitoring systems, can aid in the determination of the true reliability and performance of a structure by developing models that predict structure behavior and component interaction. The continuous monitoring of bridge deck health can provide certain stress signatures at the onset of deterioration. The signatures are vital to identify type of distress and to initiate corrective measures immediately; as a result, bridge service life increases and eliminates costly repairs. This project focused on the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the structural behavior of the Parkview Bridge full-depth deck panels under loads using the sensor network installed. Special attention was placed on the durability performance of the connections between precast components. However, after careful evaluation of the designs and construction process, it was identified that the transverse joints between deck panels are the weakest links, in terms of durability, in the system. Analysis of sensor data and load test data showed that the live load effect on the bridge is negligible. The dominant load is the thermal. Using three years of data from the sensors, stress envelopes were developed. These envelopes serve as the basis for identifying the onset of bridge deterioration. A detailed finite element (FE) model was developed, and the model was first calibrated using load test data. However, due to the dominance of thermal loads, it was required to calibrate the model using stresses developed in the structural system due to thermal loads. This was a great challenge due to a lack of sensors along depth of the bridge superstructure cross-section. A few models were identified that are capable of representing the thermal gradient profile from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in a summer day. The FE model was calibrated using sensor data and the thermal gradient profile of the specific duration. Construction process simulation with the calibrated model shows that all the joints between the panels are in compression, as expected at the design. Stress signatures were developed simulating the debonding of a transverse joint between panels. The signatures show a distinct pattern than what is observed from a bridge without distress. Hence, the onset of deterioration can be identified from the sensor data to make necessary maintenance decisions. The proposed signatures are applicable only during 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on a summer day, and development of deterioration models for the rest of the time requires development of new thermal models. Further, the stresses vary drastically following onset of joint deterioration; hence, identification of exact physical location of the sensors is required for fine-tuning the models.

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• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/24421
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Appendices at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_Research_Report_RC1564_Appendices_387346_7.pdf
• Corporate Authors:

  Western Michigan University

  1903 W. Michigan Ave.
  Kalamazoo, Michigan  United States  49008-5241

  Michigan Department of Transportation

  Construction and Technology Division, P.O. Box 30049
  Lansing, MI  United States  48909
• Authors:
  • Abudayyeh, Osama
  • Aktan, Haluk
  • Abdel-Qader, Ikhlas
  • Attanayake, Upul
• Publication Date: 2012-1-31

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 150p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Deterioration; Durability; Finite element method; Panels; Structural health monitoring; Transverse joints
• Identifier Terms: Parkview Bridge (Michigan)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Accelerated construction; Sensor networks; Thermal loads
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I60: Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01376108
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: RC-1564
• Contract Numbers: 109028
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 20 2012 3:21PM