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Bridges Publications

Dynamic properties of an eleven-span motorway bridge at different levels of excitation
G-W Chen ; S. Beskhyroun ; P. Omenzetter
Book Title / Journal: New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE) Annual Technical Conference
Year: 2014 , Volume: , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges ; Structural dynamics
Keywords: Bridges ; dynamic properties
  • Description
    • Bridge dynamic properties measured under a given vibration intensity condition would give a true picture of the behaviour for that particular condition. However, the use of the model derived from such data may not be reliable when applied for the prediction of response under a different vibration intensity condition. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the structural dynamic behaviour at different levels of excitation in detail. This paper focuses on the experimental investigation of modal property variability at different levels of excitation. Both weak ambient vibration tests (induced by nearby traffic, wind and possibly microtremors) and forced vibration tests with different applied input force induced by eccentric mass shakers were performed on the Nelson St off-ramp bridge (an 11-span post-tensioned concrete, box girder structure forming a part of the motorway network in Auckland’s CBD). Three separate system identification methods, namely peak-picking (PP), the frequency domain decomposition (FDD) and the data-driven stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method, were applied for accurate structural modal parameter identification. It was found that the three output only identification techniques are able to extract natural frequencies of the structure reliably, while the time domain SSI method yields the best mode shape estimates and PP may not be able to give accurate mode shape estimates for some modes. The variability of the dynamic properties for the 1st vertical and lateral bending modes was examined. A general trend of decreasing natural frequencies and increasing damping ratios was observed with increased level of vibration intensity.
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Design and analysis of bridge foundation with different codes.
H.Y. Aziz ; J. Ma
Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction Technology, Vol. 2, No. 5, Pages 101–118.
Book Title / Journal:
Year: 2012 , Volume: , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
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Steel bridge design handbook-Design for constructibility
R. Eaton ; C. Boring
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 11, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 11 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • In many cases , bridge designers concern themselves only with checking the stability and member stress levels in the structure for the in - service condition aft er erection of the entire superstructure is complete. But many times the critical stress in a particular component is encountered during the erection of the bridge where large unbraced lengths affect the stability of the partially completed structure. This module describes typical erection methods and procedures and highlights some of the aspects that should be considered by the designer. With this basic knowledge, the bridge designer can determine which, if any, of these aspects are a concern for his/her pa rticular design situation.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Limit states
D. Mertz
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 10, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 10 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • In the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifi cations , a limit state is defined as “a condition beyond which the bridge or component ceases to satisfy the provisions for which it was designed.” Bri dges designed using the limit - states philosophy of the LRFD Specifications must satisfy “specified limit states to achieve the objectives of constructability, safety and serviceabi lity.” These objectives are met through the strength, service, fatigue - and - f racture and extreme - event limit states. This module provide s bridge engineers with the background regarding the development and use of the various limit states contained in the LRFD Specifications.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Redundancy
D. Mertz
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 9, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 9 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • In the context of steel bridge members, nonredundancy or fracture criticality relates to resistance of the entire bridge superstructure to brittle fracture. The question becomes, can a flaw or crack grow in an unstable manner as a brittle fracture resulting in the loss of the member and subsequently the loss of the superstructure? The issue of redundancy affects the design, fabrication and in - service inspection of steel bridge members when they are classified as fracture - critical members. Of all bridge construction materials, only steel bridge members are considered as candidates for the fracture - critical designation. This module provided engineers with the background concerning redundancy in steel girder brid ges.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Structural analysis
D. Coletti ; J. Puckett
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 8, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 8 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • An important aspect of the structural analysis process is the selection of the mathematical model and associated analysis met hod. F ew absolute guidelines are available for the selection of an analysis method. The number of permutations resulting from vario us combinations of complicating physical features and mathematical models is virtually boundless. This decision should be based on an evaluation of the nature and complexity of the structure, a thorough understanding of the expected behavior, and knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of the various analysis options. Therefore, this module provides a n overview for the structura l analysis of steel girder bridges . Discussions include the applicable loads, descriptions of the various tools and techniques available, and considerations for selecting the appropriate application or technique for a given bridge.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Loads and load combinations
D. Mertz
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 7, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 7 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • Sections 1 and 3 of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, 5 th Edition discuss various aspects of loads. The load factors are tabulated in Table 3.4.1 - 1 of the AASH TO LRFD and are associated with various limit states and further various load combinations within the limit states. This module discusses the various components of load and provides information beyond that contained in the AASHTO LRFD that will be useful t o the designer. It also discusses and reviews the various limit - state load combinations to assist the designer in avoiding non - governing load combinations.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Stringer bridges-Making the right choices
K. Wright
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 6, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 6 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • Once a bridge type is selected, the designer then advances to the detailed design of the bridge. Since the vast majority of steel bridges designed today are steel gi rders made composite with concrete bridge decks, this module c over s many detail issues that are encountered when designing a composite deck girder system. This module addresses the design of welded plate girders. However, many of the principles presented are also applicable to the design of rolled beam bridges.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Selecting the right bridge type
K. Wright
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 5, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 5 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • One of the initial choices to be made by the bridge designer is to select the most appropriate bridge type for the site. While this choice is not always straightfo rward, selecting the right structure type is probably the important aspect of designing a cost - effective bridge. This particular module provides bridge designers with the tools to select the right bridge type for the given site. Bridge types discussed in cluded rolled steel beam, steel plate girder, trusses, arches, cable - stayed, and suspension bridges.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Structural Behavior of Steel
D. White
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 4, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 4 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • The behavior of steel structures is an intricate and fascinating topic. This module is intended to serve as a guide to the AASHTO Load an d Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Specifications and their representation of the behavior of steel bridge systems and members . The module focuses on the structural form and function of bridge systems and members, with emphasis on strength limit states. Whe re relevan t, recent advances in the AISC Specification for Structural Steel Buildings as well as findings from research developments are discussed in addition to the AASHTO LRFD Specfications . There are numerous areas where a broad understanding of the fu ndamental behavior of structures is key to the proper interpretation, application, and where necessary, extension of the AASHTO LRFD Specfications . This module aims to aid the Engineer in reviewing and understanding the essential principles of steel system and member strength behavior and design.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Structural steel bridge shop drawings
W. Gatti
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 3, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 3 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • The preparation of shop drawings is a very specialized process with its own language and methods. The drawings and data for fabrication are developed from information presented on the contract drawings. These drawings contain the basic bridge geometry, pier and sub - structure locations and design, as well as the sizes of all material, weld and bolt sizes and the basic connection information. Fabrication, thus the shop drawings, must adhere to all the applicable specifications and the information on the contract plans. With this in mind, the detailers, shop drawing producers, must have experience, knowledge and ability to translate contract i nformation into shop drawings. Steel bridge fabrication is a field unlike any others such as building construction, therefore most detailers who prepare steel bridge shop drawings specialize in bridges, and very few of them det ail buildings or other steel structures. This document contains the history, present practices, and illustrations of the fundamentals of shop detail drawings for steel bridges, and is not intended to cover every type of bridge structure. The purpose is to famil iarize engineers, det ailers and other individuals involved with steel bridge fabrication on the preparation and use of shop detail drawings.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Steel bridge fabrication
S. Krause
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 2, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 2 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • The purpose of this module is to explain the basic concepts of fabricating steel bridge structures. It is intended to serve as a resource for the engineer wh ile preparing the design of the structure and as a reference throughout the life cycle of the bridge. The methods employed in the fabrication of a bridge structure are as variable as the structure itself. Each fabricator has its own way of solving the pr oblems associated with each structure. This module is to serve as a reference document to facilitate fabricator/engineer communication.
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Steel bridge design handbook-Bridge steels and their mechanical properties
W. Wright
Book Title / Journal: Publication No. FHWA-IF-12-052 - Vol. 1, HDR Engineering, Inc., Pittsburgh, USA
Year: 2012 , Volume: Vol. 1 , Series:
Bridge management ; Bridges
  • Description
    • This module presents an overvi ew of structural steel products that are used for steel bridge construction. It is intended to serve as a reference and educational tool for structural engineers involved with bridge design and evaluation. The primary focus is on steel plate and rolled s hape products that are available under the ASTM A 709 Specification. This includes both a general introduction to steel making practices and a detailed discussion of mechanical properties. It also includes a brief introduc tion to other steel products such as bolts, castings, cables, and stainless steels that are often used for steel bridge connections and components. References are provided to the relevant AASHTO and ASTM standards for additional information. The mechanical properties of bridge steels ar e presented based on the A 709 specification. The stress - strain behavior of the various steel grades is presented to provide an understanding of strength and ductility. Fracture toughness is discussed to relate how the Charpy vee - notch test relates to fr acture resistance in structures. Finally, the methodology for determining atmospheric corrosion resistance is presented along with the requirements for classification as "weathering steels" for use in un - coated applications.
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Steel Bridge Design Handbook: Design for Fatigue
D. Mertz
Book Title / Journal: Steel Bridge Design Handbook
Year: 2012 , Volume: 12 , Series: FHWA-IF-12-052
Bridge management ; Bridges
Keywords: Steel bridges ; Fatigue
  • Description
    • Fatigue in metals is the process of initiation and growth of cracks under the action of repetitive tensile loads. If crack growth is allowed to go on long enough, failure of the member can result when the uncracked cross-section is sufficiently reduced such that the member can no longer carry the internal forces for the crack extends in an unstable mode. The fatigue process can take place at stress levels that are substantially less than those associated with failure under static loading conditions. The usual condition that produces fatigue cracking is the application of a large number of load cycles. Consequently, the types of civil engineering applications that are susceptible to fatigue cracking include structures such as bridges. This document provides the practicing engineer with the background required to understand and use the design rules for fatigue resistance that are currently a standard part of design codes for fabricated steel structures.
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Steel Bridge Design Handbook: Bracing System Design
T. Helwig ; J. Yura
Book Title / Journal: Steel Bridge Design Handbook
Year: 2012 , Volume: 13 , Series: FHWA-IF-12-052
Bridge management ; Bridges
Keywords: Steel Bridge ; Bracing ; Lean-on Bracing
  • Description
    • This module discusses the design of bracing systems for the superstructures of straight and curved girder systems. I-girder and box shaped members are covered. Bracing for other types of bridges, such as truss, arch or towers is not specifically addressed; however much of the information included in this module may be applicable. Bracing systems serve a number of important roles in both straight and horizontally curved bridges. The braces provide stability to the primary girders as well as improving the lateral or torsional stiffness and strength of the bridge system both during construction and in service. Depending on the geometry of the bridge, braces may be designated as either primary or secondary members. The engineer needs to recognize the importance of the bracing systems and bracing member design for appropriates construction and in-service stages. This module provides an overview of the design requirements of the braces so that engineers can properly size the members to ensure adequate strength and stiffness. The module provides: a) an overview of bracing utilized for I-girders is covered, b) a discussion of the bracing systems for tub girders, c) design requirements for the members and connections of bracing systems.
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