bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integral bridges. First integral railway bridge in Czech Republic
Authors: Šafář Roman
Published: October 2011

Concept of integral bridges is a modern solution for short- and medium-span bridges, which enables
design and construction of safe and economical structures with low requirements for maintenance
during their life time. This concept is a way to built structures for long and efficient life, it means
reliable structures with long durability and low maintenance costs.

The paper is divided into two parts – in the first part, some special problems of integral bridges are
commented. Second part of the paper is devoted to the design, construction and monitoring of the
first integral railway bridge in the Czech Republic, which is now built near Česká Třebová. The
bridge is located on the main double-track railway line Prague – Olomouc.
Certification and operation audit of segmental bridge launching gantries
Authors: McGormley Jonathan C. , Schuette Ralf , Hill Howard J.
Published: October 2011

The Maumee River Crossing Project is a large scale concrete bridge project. The contractor chose segmental construction which required the use of four different types of gantries. To assure a consistent design basis, all of the gantries were checked using the governing project engineering standards and project-specific loads. Due to the unique movement capabilities of these launching structures, each construction step from launch to final segment release was examined for each span, and span-specific work methods were developed. In some cases, gantry modifications were required to handle the project demands. In other cases, constraints posed by the supporting structures necessitated the use of structural supplements and customized operational procedures. A physical inspection of all gantries was performed to verify as-build conditions. In addition, quarterly operation audits were carried out to observe launch procedures and conformance of span-specific work methods.
Collapse process analysis in construction of concrete-filled steel tube arch bridge
Authors: Shi Xue-fei , Ruan Xin , Hu Ke , Sun Dunhua , Wang Jun
Published: October 2011

This paper gives a detail introduction of collapse simulation of some critical construction stages of Taiping Lake Bridge, which is a CFST arch bridge with main span of 336m in Anhui Province, China. Arch ribs are erected by temporary cables-stayed system with cantilever construction method. During construction of this bridge, in every one of the 23 working stages the collapse simulation was carried out with FEM method. According to the results the structure system of Taiping Lake Bridge in construction is strong enough. Here gives examples on two key stages.
The Highly Sustainable Kanchanaphisek Bridge—Thailand’s Longest Span
Authors: Prakunhungsit Siri , Hsu Ruchu
Published: October 2011

The Kanchanaphisek Bridge, with a 500-meter main span, has the longest bridge span in Thailand. The cable-stayed structure was designed to be a long lasting, sustainable and owner-friendly bridge. Two A-shaped towers with three anchor piers in each back span make the bridge torsionally stiff to resist high winds. A reinforced concrete deck slab and tower foundation tie beams provide for bridge longevity. Simple low cost ladders and platforms provide ready access to the cable top and bottom anchors for inspection and maintenance activities. Concrete counterweights, instead of tie- downs, were used to eliminate uplift. The bridge is also noteworthy in that it has no bearings, thereby eliminating the need for bearing inspection and replacement.
Maillart’s design methods and sustainable design
Authors: Zastavni Denis
Published: October 2011

This paper examines the design methods of Robert Maillart (1872-1940), drawing mainly on his well-known Chiasso Shed (1924). It shows that Maillart’s stiffened arch probably could not have been defined through structural analysis alone, which implies that sound structural principles would have had to precede any geometrical definition. His analogical design-based geometry demonstrates a good structural behaviour. Maillart achieved a reliable structure while relying mostly on graphics. It appears that the design maintains the concrete structure under at least partial compression or minimising traction.

We conclude that preliminary sound structural principles and Maillart’s graphic methods for geometrical definition could help to design a durable and reliable structure with advantages comparable to contemporary goals of sustainable design.
Efforts toward a Sustainable Future in the State of Oregon
Authors: Ashford Scott , Charpilloz Jennifer
Published: October 2011

Oregon for decades has been a seen as a leader in the United States for forward thinking with regard to the environment. There are several parallel efforts underway from the a coalition of western US states, to the State of Oregon government, to the Oregon State University campus that make Oregon a leader in a sustainable future. This paper presents present a summary of these efforts, some of the potential drawbacks, and recommendations for others undertaking similar efforts.
Design Service Life Determination for Bridge Structural Elements
Authors: Wang Yuqian , Ruan Xin , Chen Airong , Wu Haijun , Zordan Tobia
Published: October 2011

Through definition of design service lives for bridges and their elements, element classification according to structural systems, durability type research as well as investigations of their actual operating lives and recommended design service lives in specifications home and abroad, a direct method and also a simplified one were proposed in order to determine design service lives of bridge structural elements based on life-cycle cost analysis. In direct method, element service life schemes were established, and then the one with optimal economy could be selected through life cycle cost calculation of each scheme. In the simplified method a calculation formula was presented, for applying which the classification and evaluation of the influence coefficients were discussed and recommended foundational design service lives of bridge elements were brought forward based on professional investigations. In the end, a certain sea-crossing project was used as an example to illustrate the process of design service life determination for bridge structural elements.
Lifecycle cost variation of building with social aspects
Authors: Kanda Jun
Published: October 2011

The lifecycle cost of structure has been discussed with consideration on the expected failure cost. The decision making on the safety of structures is influenced by various social aspects. The estimation of lifecycle cost can be a useful measure for considering the safety, sustainability as well as the econo my. A new building approval system is proposed in order to find a social consensus among stakeholders. It is expected to achieve safer and more sustainable building construction than the current minimum requirement regulation systems as the transparent information can be shared in the community.
Bridge-specific Assessment Techniques for the Strengthening and Refurbishment of the West Gate Bridge, Melbourne
Authors: Firth Ian
Published: October 2011

This paper describes the approach taken in the structural assessment of the West Gate Bridge and the design of strengthening, and describes the challenge of upgrading a bridge such as this while it continues to carry extremely busy traffic on one of Melbourne’s most important transport arteries.

The bridge specific assessment approach adopted has led to considerable savings in strengthening requirements when compared to what would be required by the application of standard bridge design criteria. Certain economies and efficiencies have been achieved by optimising the strengthening details through the application of sophisticated non-linear analysis techniques.
Construction Engineering of the Kanchanaphisek Bridge
Authors: Ferrand David
Published: October 2011

The Kanchanaphisek Bridge is the fifth cable-stayed bridge to be built over the Chao Phraya River in the Bangkok Metropolitan area, and with a 500 meter long main span it is also the longest. The bridge is part of a 20 km long elevated highway, the Southern Outer Ring Road, which completes the Outer Bangkok Ring Road project. Building a 500 meter span cable-stayed bridge always presents the construction engineer with great challenges. This paper will present the main solutions and methods used in the construction of the longest cable-stayed bridge in South East Asia. Not only the bridge superstructure had to be erected in the shortest time possible, while not disrupting the important marine traffic on the Chao Phraya River, it also had to be built within very small tolerances to guarantee the integrity of the structure.
The i-Bridge, an Industrial Bridge Concept, Feasibility Studies
Authors: Harryson Peter
Published: October 2011

Feasibility studies on a novel bridge concept embracing industrial bridge engineering, conceptual design and finite element (FE) analyses have been carried out at Chalmers University of Technology. Thei-bridgeconcept consists of v-shaped glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) beams reinforced by carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) profiles. The deck consists of GFRP plates in composite action with ultra-high-performance steel-fibre reinforced concrete (UHPSFRC). In addition, an experimental study of the bond between UHPSFRC cast upon GFRP sheets was conducted to evaluate the best solutions for interfaces in the concept. Both shear and tension tests were performed. Furthermore, a laboratory load test and finite element analyses of a prototype bridge beam were carried out. The paper presents a general description of the bridge concept and the proposed the industrial characteristics as well as a summary of the conducted feasibility studies. The investigations performed indicate that the concept could be realised from a technical structural point of view.
Evaluation of Seismic Performance of Bridges in Thailand
Authors: Maneetes Hathairat , Techapholamat Supon , Ruangrassamee Anat , Singasut Warakom , Tachoverojd Kreangkrai , Palasri Chitti
Published: October 2011

In this research, the effects of moderate earthquakes on bridges of Department of Rural Roads which were not specifically designed to withstand earthquakes are investigated. Components in the study includes seismic hazard analysis, classifications of bridges of Department of Rural Roads, cyclic loading tests of 0.40 m x 0.40 m RC columns, cyclic loading tests of bearings, seismic downhole tests to measure shear wave velocity for site classification, and seismic response analysis of bridges. From cyclic loading tests of columns, the ductility capacity of the RC bridge column detailed according to the current practice is found to be 4.0. A series of analysis are conducted on 16 bridge models. Piers with 0.35 m x 0.35 m and 0.40 m x 0.40 m sections in bridges with a span length of 10m or less are found to be vulnerable to earthquakes because of a high ductility demand.
High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete for Double-Tee Beams
Authors: Suter René , Moreillon Lionel , Zwicky Daia
Published: October 2011

Modern admixtures as well as the addition of fibers allow producing concrete with extraordinary properties. With such high performance concrete it is now possible to establish structural elements perfectly adapted to practical requirements.

Precast prestressed double-tee beams allow building large industrial or commercial floors and parking decks in a fast and economic way. These double-tee beams are highly prestressed by bonded strands and contain only a reduced steel reinforcement. A certain problem thus arises in the design for shear resistance; according to national and international codes, the webs must contain a minimum shear reinforcement (stirrups) for which the laying interferes with production. The opportunity to replace these stirrups by a high performance concrete reinforced, if necessary, by steel fibers therefore seems attractive.

The University of Applied Sciences (UAS), Fribourg, carried out theoretical and experimental research on full-scale concrete double-tee beams in order to analyze the interaction between the quality of concrete, the addition of fibers and prestressing on flexural behavior and shear resistance.
Design of Palm Jumeirah Monorail
Authors: Ritdumrongkul Sopon , Ritthichauy Worapatt , Nielsen Knut Hj. , Omi Hideya
Published: October 2011

The Palm Jumeirah monorail is connecting the artificial Palm Jumeirah Island to the mainland of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The design methodology of the monorail structures was developed to accommodate the unique features of transit guideway structures, durability and constructability. An efficient continuous frame system monolithically integrated with the columns was therefore utilized. The 5.45 km long monorail line typically includes 29 m long guideway beams continuous over 5 spans. Over marine sectors and some other locations long span bridges are used with superstructure designed as a special cast-in-situ sandwich beam. The monorail structures were designed in Thailand by Norconsult Civil Engineering, Co. Ltd., the civil contractor is Palm Jumeirah Monorail Civil Joint Venture, a group of Japanese contractors, and Nakheel is the project owner. Construction began in March 2006 and opening is scheduled in April 2009.
Analysis and Design of Peljesac Bridge in Croatia
Authors: Radić Jure , Šavor Zlatko , Hrelja Gordana
Published: October 2011

The construction of a new 2.4km long bridge, crossing the sea strait between the Croatian Mainland and the Pelješac Peninsula to provide the fixed road link between the whole of Croatia, has just begun. The bridge location is in a highly seismic zone with the design ground acceleration of 0.41g and on extremely bad soil. Extensive off-shore site investigations were carried out, including continuous shear wave survey and geotechnical explorations from a specially equipped drill ship, to obtain soil parameters for the design of bridge foundations. A site-specific seismic study was undertaken based on the seismic source zone characterization and attenuation relationships for the south of Croatia. The four lane road bridge consists of two approach bridges and the main cable stayed bridge with continuous steel trapezoidal box superstructure.
Saadiyat Bridge Abu Dhabi – One Bridge, Three Construction Methods
Authors: Seitz Peter , Kuhnlein Werner , Schmidt Nico , Hauser Holger
Published: October 2011

The 1,450 meter long Saadiyat Bridge, the emerging landmark which will Link Abu Dhabi city with Saadiyat Island is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi emirate. It will provide swift and smooth access to the signature destination which is being developed into a complete visitor and residential destination. Developed by

Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Saadiyat Island (Fig. 1) is the largest single mixed-use development in the Arabian Gulf. Saadiyat Bridge will carry 2 x 5 lanes of vehicular traffic and two tracks of light rail, plus special architectural features were incorporated such as a variable lighting concept which may be adapted to different occasions. Based on site conditions, the originally envisioned construction method was changed and a combination of incremental launching, span-by- span falsework and balanced cantilever construction was used. These three construction methods are presented in this article. Aside from the considerations that led to choosing these three methods, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are explained underlining specifically the economic aspects governing the choice.
Improving Aerodynamic Stability of Long-Span Bridges with slight adjustment on Girder Sections
Authors: Yang Yongxin , Ge Yaojun
Published: October 2011

For long-span cable-supported bridges, aerodynamic flutter control measures, such as central- slotting, have been proven to be very effective through both theoretical and experimental investigations, but will change the original girder sections significantly. In this paper, the flutter performance improvements on two typical girder sections were achieved by adjusting the arrangement of inspection rails, which only made slight modifications to the original girder section. The flutter controlling effect was verified through a series of wind tunnel tests, and the focus was put on the optimal position of inspection rails and other parameters as well. The research results indicate that inspection rails can be very helpful to improve the flutter performance of long-span cable-supported bridges with appropriate positioning. Its influence on the vortex-induced vibration performance and corresponding countermeasure was finally investigated.
Performance of New Homes in a Category 4 Hurricane
Authors: Patel Purvik , Sen Rajan , Mullins Austin Gray , Pierresaint Virgilet
Published: October 2011

A detailed survey of roof damage in new homes in Punta Gorda Isles, FL caused by Hurricane Charley was undertaken in an earlier study. The homes examined were the larger, concrete/clay tiled roof homes with irregular floor plans and complex roof configurations not explicitly covered by the prevailing wind load codes. The survey showed that the vast majority of the roofs in these houses were undamaged or sustained minor damage. This paper presents results from code-based analyses that attempted to estimate wind forces that were resisted at the critical corner location in these undamaged homes. A parametric study was conducted using ASCE 7-98 in which the building geometry, exposure and wind velocity were varied and the pressure coefficient evaluated. Results showed that connections withstood forces that were significantly higher forces than the design value. Such over-design is especially beneficial for narrow buildings were localized pressures are highest.
Corrugated Glass as Improvement to the Structural Resistance of Glass
Authors: Nijsse Rob
Published: October 2011

It is a well known fact that if we take a flat piece of paper in our hands it is a weak, and slack.. However if you fold this piece of paper a few times the structural behaviour changes from weak to strong and form slack to stiff. Luckily enough the glass manufacturing firms are more and more capable to create folded,or better, corrugated glass. Therefore we have started to create glass structures in corrugated glass. Two well known buildings have incorporated corrugated glass in their facades. They are the Casa da Musica in Porto (P),(architect OMA) and The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in Antwerp (B), (architect Neutelings Riedijk). Two other projects are on the drawing boards; the University Library in Qatar (architect OMA) where a diamond shaped building has on four sides large facades composed by corrugated, insulated glass units up to a height of 17 meter and a villa in NL by MVRDV architects where corrugated insulated glass units carry the roof. In these four buildings the corrugated glass panels are used to create, with a relatively thin sheet of glass an all glass facade without hardly any steel components..
Design of HPC composition from point of view of hydration heat development
Authors: Zach Jirí , Brozovsky Jiri
Published: October 2011

In start of 21-th century represented High Performance Concrete (HPC) one of the best ways for infrastructure construction material. From point of view of behavior of HPC during setting and hardening time (hydration) is very important course of hydration heat liberation. Through relatively high binder content in HPC often the inner temperature of concreted construction rises up too critical temperature. Than owing to the temperature dilatation and negative tension formation of cracks begin in concrete structure.

In build praxis is possible to affect hydration heat liberation by selecting optimal type of binder and by utilization of suitable type of superplasticizing admixture. This paper describes possibilities of utilization of isoperibolic calorimeters for assessment of intensity of hydration heat development for cement pastes and possibilities of practical application of these measurements in building practice.
State-of-Art Bridge Deck Construction
Authors: Meyer Max
Published: October 2011

There is huge demand for construction respectively upgrading of road and rail links all over the world. With many such infrastructure projects now being realized on a privatized basis, not only fast construction of the viaduct portion is essential in order to achieve timely completion of the entire project, but also once completed viaducts should require minimum maintenance costs.

This paper tries to give an overview on the various methods available nowadays when building beam bridges in prestressed concrete in urban areas.
Ecological Analysis of Material Selection for a Bridge
Authors: Daniel Ryszard A.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a relatively simple, practical method for the analysis of environmental impacts of bridge material selection. Choosing construction materials for a bridge – e.g. steel, concrete, timber, aluminium, composite – is not only an economical, functional or esthetical issue. It also affects the environment. The following discussion concerns the way to quantify environmental impacts in comparable terms – and to assess possible material choices respectively.
Experimental Study of Post-Tensioned Steel Trusses with Composite Slabs
Authors: Chanvaivit Kanokpat , Dawe John L. , Limsuwan Ekasit
Published: October 2011

Test specimen No. 1, with a simple bridge span of 8534 mm, consisted of a 150 mm thick, high performance concrete deck in composition with a 600 mm deep steel truss. The composite system also included two12.7 mm tendons extending from end to end of the structure and draped at the third points above which equal test loads were applied. Prestressing levels of 460MPa, 690MPa and 920MPa provided mid-span pre-cambers of 1.8mm, 3.3mm and 4.4mm, respectively. For the extra 7.9% of the tendon cross sectional area as compared to the bottom chord cross sectional area, the post-tensioned composite truss resisted a maximum total load of 670kN which was 20.4% higher than the total load of 568kN in the case of a composite truss without prestressing. However, for similar specimen No. 2 with no composite slab, the use of post-tensioned tendons had no advantage on the steel non-composite truss because the specimen critically failed in the buckling mode of the top chord.
Dynamic Analysis of Cable-Stayed Bridge under Construction Considering Hoisting Deck Segment Motion
Authors: Park Wonsuk , Koh Hyun-Moo , Kim Dong-Seok , Choo Jinkyo F. , Lee Hae-Sung
Published: October 2011

In this study, we perform dynamic response analysis for cable-stayed bridge system under construction including hoisting deck segment motion as well as pylon-cable-deck vibration. In order to consider the interaction between the bridge, derrick-crane and the hoisted deck segment, we formulate nonlinear equations of the motion for bridge-segment coupled system. Analysis results show that vortex induced resonant vibration of the bridge-segment coupled system can occur for a specific stage of the construction and hoisting motion, which results in excessive displacement response of the hoisted deck segment. As a feasibility study, we develop a vibration controller for the time-varying pendulum motion period of the hoisted deck, which consists of a combination of the multiple optimal controllers. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is presented by investigating the acceleration and displacement response of the system with respect to safety and workability criteria.
Analytical Model for Prediction of Flexural Behaviors of PC Girder
Authors: Sirimontree Sayan , Teerawong Jaruek
Published: October 2011

Structural behaviors of concrete structures after cracking cannot be predicted by elastic theory. Material and/or geometrical nonlinearity must be taken into account. Many researchers proposed analytical tools using a nonlinear finite element model but the process is time consuming. This paper proposes a simplified analytical model to predict flexural behaviors of full-scale prestressed concrete (PC) girder under static loading. Moment-curvature relationship (M-  diagram) of a

concrete beam section has been developed then the load deflection relationship can be determined by using effective flexural rigidity (EIe) calculated from M- diagram. Full scale test of Type III

AASHTO highway girder with 20cm thick topping slab was performed. Analytical results were validated and found to be in good agreement with experimental results. This simplified model developed by the authors can also be applied to reinforced concrete (RC) or PC beam.
Application of Strut-and-Tie Model in Structural Concrete Repair
Authors: Duntemann John F. , Rogalla Ernest A. , Dimig Jennifer A. , Greve Brian R.
Published: October 2011

The subject of this paper is the structural assessment and repair of multiple large pile cap foundations. A combination of high temperatures during early hydration and inadequate steel reinforcement resulted in large cracking that compromised the structural integrity of the caps to the extent that repair and modificationwere necessary. New pile caps, placed on top of the existing caps, were designed to support the existing loads and superimposed loads that would result from a future buildout. The new pile caps were designed in accordance with the strut-and-tie provisions of the 2002 ACI 318 Code and constructed with a high-strength, self-compacting concrete.
Field Investigation on Slab-on-Girder Steel Bridges Over Intersections in Thailand
Authors: Lenwari Akhrawat , Senjuntichai Teerapong , Pinkaew Tospol , Thepchatri Thaksin , Limsuwan Ekasit
Published: October 2011

This paper overviews the recent project launched by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) as a part of the maintenance program to investigate the safety, remaining fatigue life, and serviceability of steel bridges over many intersections in Bangkok. A total of eleven steel bridges, which belong to the slab-on-girder type, were inspected and a full-scale nondestructive load test was conducted to investigate the bridge actual behaviors and validate the three dimensional finite element modeling. The remaining service life is based on the fatigue life assessment which consists of continuous measurement of traffic and strain data for about one week.
Practical Application of Probability Based Assessment to Bridges
Authors: Enevoldsen Ib , O'Connor Alan
Published: October 2011

A common problem among bridge owners/managers is the need to reduce spending whilst attempting to operate and maintain an increasingly ageing bridge stock which is subject to a loading intensity for which, in many cases, it was not designed. The problem is compounded by the ever increasing trend in motorway traffic frequency. As a result the past decade has seen increased interest by bridge owners and managers in the use of probabilistic methods for the assessment of their bridges specifically within the context of documentation of higher load carrying capacities such that unnecessary repairs/rehabilitations can be avoided. Employed once a deterministic assessment has rendered a repair/rehabilitate/replace now scenario, the methods have been demonstrated to provide significant cost savings where the required safety of the structure at higher load levels can be demonstrated by probabilistic methods. This paper presents the practical implementation of probability based assessment methods to a selection of road and rail bridge structures. For the structures analysed, modelling of the critical limit states is described as are the statistical techniques employed in modelling the loads and resistances. Ultimately the benefits to bridge owners/managers of performing probabilistic assessments are apparent from the results, which consistently provided (a) higher load ratings for the bridges considered and (b) considerable financial savings (both direct and indirect) through the avoidance of unnecessary repair/replacement of serviceable highway structures. Examples presented in the paper demonstrate direct monetary savings in excess of $30ml (USD).
Evaluation of Concrete Bridge Conditions Case Study at Nakornchaisri Bridge, Thailand
Authors: Jenngamkul Thiem , Bamrungwong Chakree , Manokhoon Kitti , H'wattana Putthipong , Binuma Walawat , Rerngrit Sarawut
Published: October 2011

Static and dynamic load tests were implemented at Nakornchaisri Bridge, a 10-year-in-service bridge, to study the bridge behaviour under a change of load conditions by the Department of Rural Roads (DRR), Thailand. The superstructure of the bridge was modelled by a finite element model, which considers the effects of the applied load and material properties. For the conditions in this study, the calibrated model was able to predict the load induced deflections, strains and natural frequency of the bridge superstructure, and can be used to analyze the behaviour of the bridge by means of the Rating Factors (RF), which were used as an indicator of the behaviour of each bridge member in this study. After the bridge conditions were evaluated, strengthening methods were recommended to improve the capacity of load carrying of the bridge.
Undermatching Butt Welds in High Strength Steel
Authors: Collin Peter , Möller Mikael , Nilsson Mattias , Törnblom Svante
Published: October 2011

The effects of different weld geometries on the mechanical properties of undermatched welds in high strength steel have been studied experimentally. Static tension- and hardness tests have been performed on 30 individual test specimens. Three parameters were chosen to be studied; width- to thickness relation, undermatching level and the ratio between the width of the weld and the thickness of the steel plate (relative thickness). The conclusion is that the weld width and volume has a strong influence on the strength of the joint, this is due to constraint. Fractures were achieved in the base metal for joints undermatched as much as 23 %. These seemingly surprising results are explained theoretically using incremental plasticity theory.
Development of Safe Impact Performance Vehicle Parapets for Bridges
Authors: Jarvinen Vesa
Published: October 2011

In 1998 the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) published the first two parts of Standard EN 1317 under the general title Road restraint system. The published sections specified the requirements and methods for full-scale impact tests on safety barriers.

The safety barrier generally used in Finland on bridges, the standard vehicle parapet of the Finnish Road Administration (Finnra), did not conform to the standard according to the arranged full-scale impact tests. Thus began the development process described in this article.

The new Finnish standard safety barriers to be used on bridges, Finnra H2 vehicle parapets, were successfully developed with the chosen method to adequately conform to Standard EN 1317. The costs of increasing the safety of vehicle parapets in Finland have been estimated as equaling the savings in accident costs.
Comparison of Probabilistic Extreme Traffic Load-Effect Models Based on Australian Weigh-In-Motion Data
Authors: Yaiaroon Niphan , Reid Stuart G.
Published: October 2011

Probabilistic models for extreme normalised traffic load-effects have been developed based on WIM data recorded in Australia. The procedures used to check for errors and inconsistencies in the WIM data have been described and the GVM distribution for each location has been assessed.

Theoretical static load-effects for single-span simply-supported and typical three-span continuous bridges with main span lengths up to 40m were analysed for the distributions of normalised load- effects, normalised with respect to the corresponding characteristic (99th percentile) values. A probabilistic model was then described based on a characteristic value and realistic (bounded) extreme value. Finally, shape parameters for the distributions were reported and their estimations were shown based on a quartic polynomial expression.
Development of a high energy absorbing device composed of curved members
Authors: Yamao Toshitaka , Endo Chikashi , Sato Kohei
Published: October 2011

Chikashi Endo Civil Engineer Kajima Corp. Tokyo, JapanKohei Sato Civil Engineer Toda Corp.
Tokyo, Japan

The present study is investigated the ultimate behavior of the highly energy absorbing device which is composed of the curved pair members for the seismic response control of bridge structures experimentally and analytically. The effects of the configuration of members and the steel with low- yield ratio of this device are clarified by the numerical FEM analysis. Six specimens with the curved pair members and the straight ones were tested under cyclic axial load. It was shown that the damper device composed of the curved pair members has a highly energy absorption. Numerical seismic response analyses for the steel frame structure installed this proposed damper device were carried out by the nonlinear program. The effect of the high energy absorbing device on the seismic response behavior of frame structures was examined.
Static Behavior of Composite Beam according to the Degree of Shear Connection considering the Stud Shear Connection
Authors: Jung Chi-Young , Chung Ha-Min , Ahn Jin-Hee , Kim Sang-Hyo
Published: October 2011

In the construction of composite beam, two kinds of materials which have different properties require connector helping each other to behave similarly. For this purpose it's necessary to use the shear connector which takes a role of bonding both materials. Composite materials can classify the connection of both materials as full interaction, and partial interaction. And it is full interaction that able to demonstrate the best efficiency of composite section.

In this study, to evaluate the bending capacity of stud, which is popularly used in composite beam, the studs of different dimensions is installed in the each specimens and push-out test was taken for investigating the variation of shear strengths when the degree of shear connection changes. Also to evaluate ultimate loads when the degree of shear connection changes, three composite beams which have same section and different stud dimensions were manufactured.

Compared the results of each experiment with those of the Finite Element Analysis, the effect of degree of shear connection to the composite beam and relationship between ultimate loads and the variation of degree of shear connection are estimated.
An Upper Shelf Criterion for the Choice of Steel based on Fracture Mechanics
Authors: Feldmann Markus , Eichler Björn , Schäfer Dirk
Published: October 2011

Steel members which are designed plastically require sufficient strain capacity to ensure the formation of the plastic resistance. In case of earthquake loading brittle fracture of welded connections in steel moment frames may occur prior to the formation of plastic hinges. However, the utilization of material reserves plays an important role especially in seismic design due to ist energy dissipation. Yet, the minimum required strain capacity still cannot be quantified. Thus, the objective of the research project “PLASTOTOUGH” [1] was to establish an approach for the quantification of the upper shelf toughness to allow for a safe plastic design of steel structures using modern construction steels and to develop a sustainable method for the choice of steel material. Once the steel material provides adequate ductility values, the service life of structures can be extended effectively.

Therewith the need to replace damaged structures with insufficient material properties will be minimized and the maintenance costs for buildings or bridges will be decreased in the future.

This paper is the first of two parts giving an overview over the research work performed within the project for monotonic loading. The second part concerning seismic loading is presented in the subsequent paper “An Upper Shelf Criterion for the Choice of Steel for Seismic Loading”.
Rheological Approaches on Prediction of Time-dependent Behaviors for Concrete Used in FCM Bridges of Korea
Authors: Lee Man-Seop , Min Kyung-Hwan , Kwon Ki-Yeon , Kim Jae-Ki , Lee Seul-Kee , Yoon Young-Soo
Published: October 2011

The primary objective of this study is to construct more simple and reasonable rheological model and to propose a methodology for predicting the time-dependent phenomena of concrete, especially for the FCM bridges of Korea. Deformations of concrete under sustaining stresses and drying environments can be expressed by the sum of immediately elastic deformation, creep deformation, shrinkage deformation, and thermal deformation, etc. To simulate these deformations, rheological models having five and six parameters were constructed. In composing of each parameter, existing theories and design model codes were incorporated with the numerical approach for the components which cannot be theoretically approached. Finally, actual test data from the FCM bridges of Korea were applied in the verification of the proposed models, and suitability of the models was confirmed by comparisons with existing predicting models and design codes.
Renewal of Railway Steel Bridges by Integration with Concrete Slab
Authors: Saito Masamichi , Sugimoto Ichiro , Kobayashi Yusuke
Published: October 2011

Railway steel bridges, which exceed their design lifetime, are increasing in Japan and some of them have problems such as corrosion, fatigue and noise. In this study, we proposed a method to improve a structural system of the steel bridges by integration with concrete decks. This method improves the load-carrying capacity of the girders, extends the service life, and reduces the noise. This paper describes the proposed method of concrete deck installation, connection between steel girders and concrete decks, and loading tests of girder-deck connection.
Study on Strain Calculational Technique of Concrete Bridges by Frame Analysis
Authors: Iguchi Shin-ichi , Kubo Kensuke , Yamane Seiichi , Igarashi Hiroaki
Published: October 2011

In the strain measurement by the loading examination of a real bridge and the analysis by the reproduction design, it is known that a big difference is generated between the two. Here, the cause of this problem is clarified, and the authors introduce one technique for unlimitedly reducing this difference by the frame analysis. In the report, the strain result of a measurement by loading examination and the result by frame analysis that simply modeled bridge as a grid are used. And 1.the section evaluation to disregard concrete tension zone applied by design in general, 2.the section evaluation assumed to be effective full cross-sections, and 3.the method of reading strain of referenced section directly by using fiber element for frame analysis were tried, and comparative study of the stress are made. The difference of each solution is clarified, and it was clarified for the case of assuming an effective full cross-sections and reading strain directly from the fiber element to obtain good results.
The Chiani suspension Bridge: a complete overhaul
Authors: Petrangeli Marco , Petrangeli Marcello
Published: October 2011

The paper presents the total rehabilitation of the Chiani suspension bridge in Algeria. The bridge, designed by the French engineer Arnodin at the beginning of the last century span 105 metres using a mixed cable supporting system with a stayed deck portion near the towers. The bridge was designed and built before the similar Sidi M’Cid one in Constantine, Algeria.

The authors have been asked to engineer a complete overhaul of the bridge, a beautiful structure completely abandoned and closed to traffic because of its severe state of degradation. The works included the complete substitution of the suspension system, the widening of the superstructure with new pedestrian sidewalks moved out of the parapet girders and a new concrete deck to allow for unrestricted vehicular transit.

An innovative suspension system with resin encased strands has been used for the main cables, stays and hangers replacement in lieu of ropes and steel bars. New saddles, made of welded plates following a concept originally developed for the 3rd generation suspension bridges, have been placed over the existing ones with the two systems working in parallel during the load transfer.
Joints in wide-span Timber Trusses – Failures and Rehabilitations
Authors: Mestek Peter , Merk Michael , Winter Stefan
Published: October 2011

Following the Bad Reichenhall ice-arena collapse, numerous expertises on the structural safety of wide-span timber structures were carried out at the Chair of Timber Structures and Building Construction. It became evident that inadequate structural design and detailing as well as inadequate manufacturing principles were the main reasons for observed failures. The design and manufacture of connections in wide-span timber structures are still amongst the most challenging tasks for both the structural engineer as well as the executing company. This paper will, on the basis of an exemplary expertise, discuss specific issues in the structural reliability of connections in wide- span timber trusses and give recommendations towards a state-of-the art design of such connections.
Modernization of Historical Bridges – Environmental Aspects
Authors: Borończyk-Plaska Grazyna , Radomski Wojciech
Published: October 2011

In many countries, old bridges represent a relatively great part of bridge population. Many of them are of bigger or smaller historical value, influencing also the environment. Their utilization is in many cases technically and economically justified. However, they usually require repair, rehabilitation and/or modernization to meet contemporary traffic conditions. The above operations demand the application of special methods which should be environmentally friendly as well as technically and economically effective for bridge durability. They should also assure the conservation of historical and aesthetical values of the old bridges. All the problems described above have been discussed and exemplified in the paper.
Vibration Monitoring of Stay Cables Using Image Making and Pattern Recognition
Authors: Park Jongchil , Gil Heungbae , Park Chanmin , Jo Byungwan
Published: October 2011

The statistically processed results are sometimes not intuitive for the structural health monitoring systems of cable-stayed bridges which process voluminous data from a lot of sensors. For this reason, the signals-image recognition algorithm using images more intuitive than numerical values is presented in this study. The signals-image here means not a photograph taken by any camera but the artificial image which consists of measured signals and their process results. It is applied to extract the features from signals and identify the cable vibrations. Consequently, identifying and classifying signals-images have been successfully performed.
SHM at the Civil Infrastructure: Recent Progress & Future Demands
Authors: Furtner Peter
Published: October 2011

Health monitoring for civil engineering structures is a challenge. Our structures are a prototype each and show small safety margins and a great exposure to the public. The major number of uncertainties in geometry, material properties and the influence of the environment might have a higher impact on monitoring results than any minor damage. Therefore only complex approaches under consideration and compensation of the already known phenomena will be successful. This requires a more or less scientific approach. Nevertheless an appropriate focus on the end-user’s needs must not be forgotten to achieve a more widespread implementation and to increase the acceptance by the clients.
Puente Mercosur – Truss Girder Bridge across the Orinoco
Authors: Humpf Karl , Schiele Ingo
Published: October 2011

With the aim of developing the Southwest of Venezuela and enable its connections with the rest of the country, a third bridge over the Orinoco River was designed between the cities of Cabruta, State of Guárico in the north and Caicara del Orinoco in the south.

The combined highway and railroad bridge Puente Mercosur will be the third crossing of the Orinoco with a total length of 11.125 km. The stay-cable main bridge with 360m main span and the adjacent approach bridges with a length of 2 x 720m are comprised of a steel composite truss girder with a depth of 12.0m. The pylons and piers are founded on piles with a diameter of 2.50m resp.

2.00m and a length of up to 80m.

The deck for the approach viaducts and the side spans of the main bridge is assembled in construction yards adjacent to the southern and northern abutments, before launching each into its final position using Teflon plates on top of the piers, and lifting devices at the front and end of the sections to compensate deformations of the superstructure during launching. The centre segment of the main bridge with a length of 120 m and a dead weight of 2400 ton will be lifted from a barge. A non linear time history analysis has been performed for the earthquake design of the shock transmitter bars in the approach viaducts.
Shear Design Performance of Beams Reinforced with Steel Fibers and Stirrups
Authors: Nyomboi Timothy , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: October 2011

Many researchers have established the effectiveness of steel fibers in shear strength enhancement in RC beams. Use of steel fibers as shear reinforcements can be attractive in load bearing structures where beams span over window and door openings as well as in thin concrete section where conventional reinforcements can not be used. Moreover, in reinforced concrete frames, relief of stirrups in congested areas, crack control and ductility improvement can also be achieved with use of steel fibers. The fact that steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) is a ready to use material implies that fabrication of stirrups and manual labor required for fixing is reduced or avoided. These merits result in robust and faster structure construction in which cost savings can be made leading to adequate and affordable supply of shelter. However, practical application of SFRC in RC beam is hampered by lack of design guidelines. In this study, a simple shear design method for steel fiber RC beams is proposed and tested. Preliminary tests were undertaken on six small RC beams reinforced with stirrups and variable amount of steel fibers (0.5% to1.5% content) determined to match the number of stirrups. Further tests were conducted on larger designed stirrup and fiber RC beams. Empirical shear strength formulations found in the literature for SFRC were applied as a check on the proposed design formulation. Test results confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method and it is shown that fibrous beams posses a better shear resistance mechanism than that of an equivalently stirrup reinforced beams.
Concrete Bridge Perimeter Strips using Micro Hollow Spheres
Authors: Glaeser Christian , Loeschnig Peter
Published: October 2011

The freeze-thaw resistance of concrete is influenced by the properties of the raw materials and the air-void system. Usually the required micro-pores are created by adding air entraining agents while mixing the concrete. Some problems with the unerringly production and placement of air entrained concrete in the past made it interesting to look for durable alternatives. So for the bridge perimeter strips of one bridge in Bavaria micro hollow spheres were used. The hollow spheres with a density of 0.2 kg/l and a mean diameter of about 50 µm are mantled by plastic materials.

For the Bavarian pilot project two different mixtures with CEM I 32.5 R and CEM II/B-S 32.5 R were used. On both mixtures suitability tests were performed in the concrete plants. Besides the properties of the fresh concrete (slump etc.) the content of pores was determined using the Roll-A- Meter method according to ASTM C173 [1]. The performed CDF-Tests as well as the characteristics of the air-voids indicated a sufficient freeze-thaw resistance. Before casting on site the handling of the mixtures was tested on formworks with realistic dimensions. Quality control was guaranteed by scientific support given by Technische Universität München (University of Technology, Munich, Germany). Future inspection will proof the required durability of the bridge perimeter strips.