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Inspection, Repair, Retrofit Procedures and Design Recommendations for Non-Redundant Steel Structures

Inspection, Repair, Retrofit Procedures and Design Recommendations for Non-Redundant Steel Structures



Start Date: November 3, 2014
End Date: November 3, 2015

Project Completed

Researcher: Dr. James Swanson, University of Cincinnati

To download a copy of the Final Report, click here.

To download a copy of the Executive Summary, click here.

There are approximately 1500 structures in Ohio with the designation of fracture critical. Of these, approximately 900 pony trusses reside on the county system. As a result, counties are responsible for conducting specialized arms-length inspections on the fracture critical members (FCM) of these structures every twenty four months, in addition to the annual routine inspection. The FCM inspections are both costly and difficult to perform often due to the location of the members. While the tension zones in the steel pony members are categorized as fracture critical per FHWA's Bridge Inspection Reference Manual (BIRM), a detailed analysis may prove otherwise. Research is needed to develop a modeling standard to analyze these structures and establish protocols, consistent with provisions outlined by FHWA, in order to refine fracture-critical designations.

The goal of this research is to provide analytical evidence and protocols that allow for the reduction of the number of fracture critical members to inspect on pony trusses utilized on Ohio's local roadway system. In addition to the analytical goal, there is an objective to develop a repair/retrofit procedure to eliminate non-redundancy or fracture critical elements of pony trusses, thereby transitioning from a non-redundant to quasi-redundant designation. The results of this research will provide local engineers with enhanced knowledge and understanding of the function of this structure type. It will also aid to educate bridge inspectors as to the actual in-field performance of pony trusses. Positive findings from this research will position locals for potential savings in terms of cost and time through the elimination of excessive and onerous inspections. This would further increase the desirability of the pony truss as a viable option to own and maintain; thereby, expanding its consideration for use by local transportation officials.

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