Evaluation and Analysis of Decked Bulb T Beam Bridge

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General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(254)
Former Study Number:
Lead Organization: Michigan Department of Transportation
Contract Start Date: Sep 19, 2011
Solicitation Number: 1264
Partners: IADOT, MI, MN, OR, WI
Contractor(s): Lawrence Technological University
Status: Closed
Est. Completion Date: Sep 30, 2014
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Nov 20, 2015
Contract End Date: Apr 30, 2015
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Suggested Contribution:
Total Commitments Received: $415,500.00
100% SP&R Approval: Approved
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Andre' Clover
clovera@michigan.gov
Phone: 517-749-9001
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Benjamin Graybeal
benjamin.graybeal@dot.gov
Phone: 202-493-3122
Study Champion(s): Steven Bower
BowerS@michigan.gov
Phone: 517-241-4667
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name
Iowa Department of Transportation 2011 $15,000.00 Ahmad Abu-Hawash -- --
Iowa Department of Transportation 2012 $15,000.00 Ahmad Abu-Hawash -- --
Iowa Department of Transportation 2013 $15,000.00 Ahmad Abu-Hawash -- --
Iowa Department of Transportation 2014 $17,500.00 Ahmad Abu-Hawash -- --
Michigan Department of Transportation 2011 $70,000.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2012 $76,000.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2013 $0.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2014 $27,000.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2015 $0.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2011 $15,000.00 Dave Conkel Lisa Jansen
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2012 $15,000.00 Dave Conkel Lisa Jansen
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2013 $15,000.00 Dave Conkel Lisa Jansen
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2014 $15,000.00 Dave Conkel Lisa Jansen
Oregon Department of Transportation 2011 $20,000.00 Benjamin Tang Joe Li
Oregon Department of Transportation 2012 $20,000.00 Benjamin Tang Joe Li
Oregon Department of Transportation 2013 $20,000.00 Benjamin Tang Joe Li
Oregon Department of Transportation 2014 $0.00 Benjamin Tang Joe Li
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2012 $20,000.00 Dave Kiekbusch Lori Richter
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2013 $20,000.00 Dave Kiekbusch Lori Richter
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2014 $20,000.00 Dave Kiekbusch Lori Richter

Study Description

Prestressed beams have been a popular beam of choice for building highway bridges in the Midwest since the early 1960s. Although these beam types are economical and are proven to carry traffic loads well, they are starting to show signs of distress, mostly from corrosion of the steel reinforcement that is caused by moisture contaminated with salt and chlorides. Salt used for deicing roadways causes chlorides to penetrate the beams and cause the steel reinforcement and prestressing strands to corrode. Some states use pre-stressed box beams because of their efficient cross section and small beam depth to span ratio. Today, many of these structures are reaching the end of their service life, mainly because of corrosion of the steel reinforcement. In the harsh environment of the Midwest, where bridges are exposed to many freeze thaw cycles and deicing salts it would be beneficial to have a bridge structure free from corrosion, easy to inspect, and a service life at least double that of current structures. Also; since mobility of the traveling public is a very important consideration when building or rehabilitating bridges, there is a need to develop a beam type that can be built using accelerated bridge construction techniques.

Objectives

To analyze and evaluate the decked bulb T beam (or decked I beam)as a viable replacement for the side-by-side box-beam bridge. The project description uses the term bulb T beam as a general description of an I beam shape, with a wide top flange that can serve as a deck surface. For this type of beam to be a viable replacement to a box beam, it must have a very robust cross-section designed to have a shallow depth to span ratio, which makes it very different than the standard AASHTO section used by some states. The use of a bulb T beam cross section would eliminate inherent problems associated with the ability to inspect and repair box-beam type structures. The Bulb T beam cross-section will provide enough space at the section bottom for ease of periodical inspections and maintenance of critical elements, such as beam web and the suffit of the bridge deck slab.

Scope of Work

The purpose of this proposed study is to collaborate and share common interests with State DOTs in the Midwest area, and other research stakeholders, regarding alternative/innovative solution(s)to environmental and structural challenges in building and maintaining a sustainable transportation infrastructure. In correlation with analyzing the bulb T beam this study includes comparing alternative non corrosive materials, including, but not limited to carbon fiber, stainless steel and stainless clad reinforcement materials. The study analysis and evaluation will include the evaluation of top flange connection details including the use of ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) to fill the joint between the adjacent decked bulb t beams (as used in New York). The goal is to have a bridge structure with a service life exceeding 100 years, and have rapid construction applicability.

Comments

MDOT and FHWA approved budget increase for travel funds. As of June 25, 2015 all partner states concur with the financial records prepared by the lead agency. The financial sheet show all pro-rata invoice payment amounts and unused funds for each partner state. Payment of all project unpaid invoices is in progress.

Documents Attached
Title File/Link Type Privacy Download
TPF-5(254) Closeout Letter Close out Memo TPF-5(254) Electronic Signature.pdf Memorandum Public
TPF-5(254) Closeout Funding Spreadsheet TPF-5(254) Closeout Funding Spreadsheet.pdf Other Public
3rd Quarterly Progress Report (July 1- September 30) for 2014 3rd Quarterly Progress Report (July 1-Sept 30 ) for 2014.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
Evaluation and Analysis of Decked Bulb T Beam Bridge Final Report_ Evaluation and analysis of decked bulb T beam bridges.pdf Final Report Public
4th Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 1- December 31) for 2014 4th Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 1-Dec. 31) for 2014.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
2nd Quarterly Progress Report (April 1 - June 30) for 2014 2nd Quarterly Progress Report (Apr-June ) for 2014.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
1st Quarterly Progress Report (January 1- March 31) for 2014 1st Quarterly Progress Report (Jan-Mar ) for 2014.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
4th Quarterly Progress Report (October- December 2013) for 2013 TPF-5(254)_4th_Qtrly_2013.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
3rd Quarterly Progress Report (July 1 - September 30) for 2013 TPF-5(254)_3RD Qtrly_2013[1].docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
2nd Quarterly Progress Report (April 1- June 30, 2013) for 2013 TPF-5(254)_2ND Qtrly_2013.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
1st Quarterly Progress Report (January 1- March 31 ) for 2013 TPF-5(254)_1ST Qtrly_2013.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
A Project Update TPF5(254)- A Project Update_January 2013.pdf Study Summary Public
4th Quarterly Progress Report (October - December 2012) for 2012 2012_4th_Qtrly_Report TPF-5(254)[1][1].docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
3rd Quarterly Progress Report (July 1- September 30) for 2012 2012_3rd_Qtrly_Report TPF-5(254)[1].docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
FHWA- Waiver Approval for TPF Solicitation 1264 (June 14, 2011) Approval of SPR Waiver Solicitation#1264.pdf Solicitation Public
2nd Quarterly Progress Report (April 1 - June 30) for 2012 TPF 2nd Qtrly Report.TPF-5(254).docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
1st Quarterly Progress Report (January 1 - March 31) for 2012 Bulb-T.TPF 1stQuarterly Report.2012.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
4th Quarterly Progress Report (October- December 2011) for 2011 Bulb-T.TPF 4thQuarterly Report.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
3rd. Quarterly Progress Report (July 1 - September 30) for 2011 TPF 3rd.Qtrly Report Form.TPF-5(254).2011.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
TPF-5(254) Acceptance Memo TPF5(254)AcceptanceMemo.pdf Memorandum Public

No document attached.

Evaluation and Analysis of Decked Bulb T Beam Bridge

General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(254)
Lead Organization: Michigan Department of Transportation
Contract Start Date: Sep 19, 2011
Solicitation Number: 1264
Partners: IADOT, MI, MN, OR, WI
Contractor(s): Lawrence Technological University
Status: Closed
Est. Completion Date: Sep 30, 2014
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Nov 20, 2015
Contract End Date: Apr 30, 2015
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Total Commitments Received: $415,500.00
100% SP&R Approval:
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Andre' Clover
clovera@michigan.gov
Phone: 517-749-9001
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Benjamin Graybeal
benjamin.graybeal@dot.gov
Phone: 202-493-3122
Commitments by Organizations
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Iowa Department of Transportation 2011 $15,000.00 Ahmad Abu-Hawash -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Iowa Department of Transportation 2012 $15,000.00 Ahmad Abu-Hawash -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Iowa Department of Transportation 2013 $15,000.00 Ahmad Abu-Hawash -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Iowa Department of Transportation 2014 $17,500.00 Ahmad Abu-Hawash -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Michigan Department of Transportation 2011 $70,000.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2012 $76,000.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2013 $0.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2014 $27,000.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2015 $0.00 David Juntunen Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2011 $15,000.00 Dave Conkel Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2012 $15,000.00 Dave Conkel Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2013 $15,000.00 Dave Conkel Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2014 $15,000.00 Dave Conkel Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Oregon Department of Transportation 2011 $20,000.00 Benjamin Tang Joe Li 503-986-4115 Xiugang.Li@odot.state.or.us
Oregon Department of Transportation 2012 $20,000.00 Benjamin Tang Joe Li 503-986-4115 Xiugang.Li@odot.state.or.us
Oregon Department of Transportation 2013 $20,000.00 Benjamin Tang Joe Li 503-986-4115 Xiugang.Li@odot.state.or.us
Oregon Department of Transportation 2014 $0.00 Benjamin Tang Joe Li 503-986-4115 Xiugang.Li@odot.state.or.us
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2012 $20,000.00 Dave Kiekbusch Lori Richter 608-264-8435 lori.richter@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2013 $20,000.00 Dave Kiekbusch Lori Richter 608-264-8435 lori.richter@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2014 $20,000.00 Dave Kiekbusch Lori Richter 608-264-8435 lori.richter@dot.wi.gov

Study Description

Study Description

Prestressed beams have been a popular beam of choice for building highway bridges in the Midwest since the early 1960s. Although these beam types are economical and are proven to carry traffic loads well, they are starting to show signs of distress, mostly from corrosion of the steel reinforcement that is caused by moisture contaminated with salt and chlorides. Salt used for deicing roadways causes chlorides to penetrate the beams and cause the steel reinforcement and prestressing strands to corrode. Some states use pre-stressed box beams because of their efficient cross section and small beam depth to span ratio. Today, many of these structures are reaching the end of their service life, mainly because of corrosion of the steel reinforcement. In the harsh environment of the Midwest, where bridges are exposed to many freeze thaw cycles and deicing salts it would be beneficial to have a bridge structure free from corrosion, easy to inspect, and a service life at least double that of current structures. Also; since mobility of the traveling public is a very important consideration when building or rehabilitating bridges, there is a need to develop a beam type that can be built using accelerated bridge construction techniques.

Objectives

To analyze and evaluate the decked bulb T beam (or decked I beam)as a viable replacement for the side-by-side box-beam bridge. The project description uses the term bulb T beam as a general description of an I beam shape, with a wide top flange that can serve as a deck surface. For this type of beam to be a viable replacement to a box beam, it must have a very robust cross-section designed to have a shallow depth to span ratio, which makes it very different than the standard AASHTO section used by some states. The use of a bulb T beam cross section would eliminate inherent problems associated with the ability to inspect and repair box-beam type structures. The Bulb T beam cross-section will provide enough space at the section bottom for ease of periodical inspections and maintenance of critical elements, such as beam web and the suffit of the bridge deck slab.

Scope of Work

The purpose of this proposed study is to collaborate and share common interests with State DOTs in the Midwest area, and other research stakeholders, regarding alternative/innovative solution(s)to environmental and structural challenges in building and maintaining a sustainable transportation infrastructure. In correlation with analyzing the bulb T beam this study includes comparing alternative non corrosive materials, including, but not limited to carbon fiber, stainless steel and stainless clad reinforcement materials. The study analysis and evaluation will include the evaluation of top flange connection details including the use of ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) to fill the joint between the adjacent decked bulb t beams (as used in New York). The goal is to have a bridge structure with a service life exceeding 100 years, and have rapid construction applicability.

Comments

MDOT and FHWA approved budget increase for travel funds. As of June 25, 2015 all partner states concur with the financial records prepared by the lead agency. The financial sheet show all pro-rata invoice payment amounts and unused funds for each partner state. Payment of all project unpaid invoices is in progress.

Title File/Link Type Private
Evaluation and Analysis of Decked Bulb T Beam Bridge Final Report_ Evaluation and analysis of decked bulb T beam bridges.pdf Final Report Public
TPF-5(254) Acceptance Memo TPF5(254)AcceptanceMemo.pdf Memorandum Public
TPF-5(254) Closeout Letter Close out Memo TPF-5(254) Electronic Signature.pdf Memorandum Public
TPF-5(254) Closeout Funding Spreadsheet TPF-5(254) Closeout Funding Spreadsheet.pdf Other Public
3rd. Quarterly Progress Report (July 1 - September 30) for 2011 TPF 3rd.Qtrly Report Form.TPF-5(254).2011.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
4th Quarterly Progress Report (October- December 2011) for 2011 Bulb-T.TPF 4thQuarterly Report.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
1st Quarterly Progress Report (January 1 - March 31) for 2012 Bulb-T.TPF 1stQuarterly Report.2012.pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
2nd Quarterly Progress Report (April 1 - June 30) for 2012 TPF 2nd Qtrly Report.TPF-5(254).docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
3rd Quarterly Progress Report (July 1- September 30) for 2012 2012_3rd_Qtrly_Report TPF-5(254)[1].docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
4th Quarterly Progress Report (October - December 2012) for 2012 2012_4th_Qtrly_Report TPF-5(254)[1][1].docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
1st Quarterly Progress Report (January 1- March 31 ) for 2013 TPF-5(254)_1ST Qtrly_2013.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
2nd Quarterly Progress Report (April 1- June 30, 2013) for 2013 TPF-5(254)_2ND Qtrly_2013.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
3rd Quarterly Progress Report (July 1 - September 30) for 2013 TPF-5(254)_3RD Qtrly_2013[1].docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
4th Quarterly Progress Report (October- December 2013) for 2013 TPF-5(254)_4th_Qtrly_2013.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
1st Quarterly Progress Report (January 1- March 31) for 2014 1st Quarterly Progress Report (Jan-Mar ) for 2014.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
2nd Quarterly Progress Report (April 1 - June 30) for 2014 2nd Quarterly Progress Report (Apr-June ) for 2014.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
3rd Quarterly Progress Report (July 1- September 30) for 2014 3rd Quarterly Progress Report (July 1-Sept 30 ) for 2014.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
4th Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 1- December 31) for 2014 4th Quarterly Progress Report (Oct. 1-Dec. 31) for 2014.docx Quarterly Progress Report Public
FHWA- Waiver Approval for TPF Solicitation 1264 (June 14, 2011) Approval of SPR Waiver Solicitation#1264.pdf Solicitation Public
A Project Update TPF5(254)- A Project Update_January 2013.pdf Study Summary Public
No document attached.

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