Forensic Investigation of the Route 61 Bridge

Sensing technology has the ability to provide information that can answer difficult questions with regard to constructed bridge behavior, improving the way complex structures are maintained. A detailed evaluation of the State Route 61 Bridge in Clinton, TN is prime example. The Route 61 Bridge is a 3-span continuous steel girder bridge that includes several complex features; the structure has a kinked-girder alignment, steel integral pier caps, skewed substructures, and one integral abutment. It was built in 1985, rehabilitated significantly in 1996, and is again scheduled for a rehabilitation in the upcoming year. The current structure has a failed expansion joint, severely tilted expansion bearings, and includes substantial concrete degradation at the ends of the structure. As a result, a detailed assessment was performed that included the application of sensing technology for field measurements along with numerical finite element modeling. Vibrating wire technology was utilized for measurement of relative bearing movement as well as girder strains over a period of three months. In addition, global movement was measured at select times with survey equipment. After collection and review of the data, it was determined that unexpected thermal movement was the primary cause of the increased bridge deterioration. Recommendations were made for the upcoming rehabilitation to increase the life of the structure.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784479117.027
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780784479117
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Yarnold, M T
  • Wilson, G S
• Conference:
  • Structures Congress 2015
  • Location: Portland Oregon, United States
  • Date: 2015-4-23 to 2015-4-25
• Publication Date: 2015-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Pagination: pp 309-321
• Monograph Title: Structures Congress 2015

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Condition surveys; Finite element method; Girder bridges; Highway bridges; Inspection; Rehabilitation; Simulation; Steel bridges
• Geographic Terms: Clinton (Tennessee)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01561789
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780784479117
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Apr 27 2015 5:10PM