Development of Alternative Bridge Superstructures for South Dakota Local Roads

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) allows the use of precast double-tee bridges in counties because they are economical and fast in construction. Alternative durable prefabricated bridge systems are needed to provide more options to local governments. The present study was carried out to investigate the feasibility of alternative prefabricated bridge systems that can be incorporated in South Dakota. The project technical panel approved testing of two superstructure bridge systems: (1) precast full-depth deck panels on prestressed inverted tee girders and (2) glulam timber bridges. The present report includes the design, construction, testing methods, and recommendations for the selected bridge alternatives. Three full-scale bridges, one fully precast and two glulam timber, were tested under fatigue and ultimate loading. The precast bridge specimen was 50-ft long by 9.5-ft wide. No significant damage beyond the prior-to-testing shrinkage cracks was observed throughout the entire fatigue test, and the overall bridge stiffness did not deteriorate. The strength load testing showed that the load amplitude at the first crack was higher than the AASHTO Service and Strength I limit state loads, indicating sufficient performance. Based on the construction, testing, and cost analysis, it was concluded that the precast full-depth deck panels on prestressed inverted tee girder bridge is a viable alternative to the double-tee girder bridge. The full-scale glulam girder bridge test model was 50-ft long and 9.25-ft wide. The full-scale glulam slab bridge was 16.5-ft long and 8-ft wide. Both timber bridge types showed minimal damage during fatigue testing. The only damage to the girder timber bridge was cracking of tongue-and-groove deck-to-deck connections, which can be eliminated using flat-end panels. Ultimate testing of the two bridge systems confirmed that the AASHTO design method for timber bridges is adequate. Girders of glulam bridges should be designed as fully non-composite members. Based on the construction, testing, and cost analysis, it was concluded that both types of glulam timber bridges are viable alternatives to the double-tee girder bridges.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ugpti.org/resources/reports/details.php?id=934
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/42502
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/42507
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/72494
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  South Dakota State University, Brookings

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Brookings, SD  United States  57007

  Mountain-Plains Consortium

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108

  South Dakota Department of Transportation

  700 East Broadway Avenue
  Pierre, SD  United States  57501

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Carnahan, Zachary
  • Mingo, Michael
  • Tazarv, Mostafa
  • Wehbe, Nadim
• Publication Date: 2019-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 140p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Bridge construction; Bridge decks; Bridge design; Bridge superstructures; Fatigue tests; Feasibility analysis; Girders; Laminated wood; Load tests; Precast concrete; Prefabricated bridges; Prestressing; Recommendations; Wooden bridges
• Geographic Terms: South Dakota
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01705976
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MPC19-373, SD2014-14-F
• Files: UTC, NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: May 28 2019 9:45AM