Imaging Tools for Evaluation of Gusset Plate Connections in Steel Truss Bridges

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General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(259)
Former Study Number:
Lead Organization: Oregon Department of Transportation
Contract Start Date: Apr 17, 2012
Solicitation Number: 1302
Partners: CA, FHWA, ID, NC, NY, OR, TX, WI
Contractor(s): Oregon State University
Status: Closed
Est. Completion Date: Apr 30, 2016
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Oct 20, 2016
Contract End Date: Jun 30, 2016
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Suggested Contribution:
Total Commitments Received: $475,000.00
100% SP&R Approval: Approved
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Joe Li
Xiugang.Li@odot.state.or.us
Phone: 503-986-4115
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Justin Ocel
justin.ocel@dot.gov
Phone: 202- 281-8213
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name
California Department of Transportation 2011 $12,500.00 Michael Johnson Sang Le
California Department of Transportation 2012 $25,000.00 Michael Johnson Sang Le
California Department of Transportation 2013 $12,500.00 Michael Johnson Sang Le
Federal Highway Administration 2011 $150,000.00 Justin Ocel David Pamplin
Idaho Department of Transportation 2012 $10,000.00 Matt Farrar Ned Parrish
New York State Department of Transportation 2012 $25,000.00 Darshan Bansal Wes Yang
New York State Department of Transportation 2013 $35,000.00 Darshan Bansal Wes Yang
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2012 $20,000.00 Greg Perfetti Neil Mastin
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2013 $10,000.00 Greg Perfetti Neil Mastin
Oregon Department of Transportation 2011 $30,000.00 Steven Soltesz Michael Bufalino
Oregon Department of Transportation 2012 $30,000.00 Steven Soltesz Michael Bufalino
Oregon Department of Transportation 2013 $30,000.00 Steven Soltesz Michael Bufalino
Texas Department of Transportation 2012 $35,000.00 Bernie Carrasco Ned Mattila
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2012 $25,000.00 Joshua Dietsche Lynn Hanus
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2013 $25,000.00 Joshua Dietsche Lynn Hanus

Study Description

Collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minnesota has resulted in considerable interest in steel truss and gusset plate connection performance. The load paths in many of these bridges are non-redundant and thus failure of a truss member or connection may cause collapse of the structure. Periodic inspections and structural evaluations are crucial for these types of bridges. The most common method of evaluation that has been used to assess the safety of highway bridges is load rating, an approach used to estimate the available strength and allowable load on a bridge. Bridge load rating computer programs do not explicitly consider the gusset plates connecting the truss members. Hence, after the initial design calculations are completed and checked, it is unlikely that recalculations for load rating purposes have been made for gusset plates. As an outcome of the investigation into the collapse of the I-35W Bridge, steel truss bridge connections are required to undergo review. This additional scrutiny requires development of new tools to efficiently and effectively evaluate the large numbers of steel truss bridge connections in the inventory. Digital imaging techniques have been developed at Oregon State University to enable rapid collection of field geometric data from in-service gusset plates. These tools are implemented in software that allows extraction of gusset plate dimensional information to facilitate ratings. The present tools provide a basic set of functionality including rectification, metrification, and selected data extraction such as length, perimeter, and angles. These basic functions need enhancement to take full advantage of the advancements available to bridge inspection and management with digital imaging. Such enhancements are proposed to enable transportation agencies to efficiently and effectively collect geometric and condition data and use this data to evaluate and rate gusset plate connections.

Objectives

There are four main objectives of the proposed research: 1. Develop methods to collect dimensional gusset plate connection information including surface geometry and out-of-plane deformations on in-service gusset plates. 2. Develop methods to automate identification and optimization of reference target points. Develop methods to automate extraction of gusset plate edge locations, fastener locations and their corresponding member affiliations, and member orientations. 3. Develop finite element modeling and analysis techniques to directly rate gusset plates using extracted digital image data as the input source. 4. Develop software tools to manage and organize images and image data to enhance bridge management and allow identification of condition changes over time.

Scope of Work

Task 1: Literature Review: Review technical literature on image analysis, machine vision, and finite element analysis applicable to steel gusset plate connection evaluation. Task 2: Software Development and Data Collection Develop enhanced procedures for field inspectors to collect high fidelity three-dimensional geometric information of gusset plates. These procedures must be applicable to commonly encountered truss joint configurations. Execution of the procedures will involve the use of image editing software that will be developed through this research to allow for correction of out-of-plane distortion, image resizing and scale calibration, and extraction of dimensional measurements from the images. Task 3: Gusset Plate Finite Element Analysis: Develop a finite element analysis modeling and analysis protocol that can directly rate gusset plate connections for allowable stress rating, load factor rating, or load and resistance factored rating from the metric digital orthographs. Alternatively, inputs can be provided by the user from available drawings or other sources. Task 4: Implementation Example: Develop an example gusset plate analysis demonstrating the field data collection methods. The plate analysis will be benchmarked with ABAQUS and also compared with traditional design methods and the FHWA Guidelines for gusset plate connection evaluation. Task 5: Imaging Data Informatics for Bridge Management: Develop methods to manage, categorize, organize, and query digital orthographs to enable mapping correspondences with bridge inspection records and enhance long-term bridge management. Database structures will be developed that will enable image comparisons to be made between inspection intervals. Multi-scale imaging methods will enable coarse and fine metric features to be mapped and referenced to each other. A full set of truss bridge metric images will be collected, rectified, categorized, mapped, and linked to available drawings and inspection notes. Requirements of the imaging system will be developed and implementation protocols developed.

Comments

The project has a well developed work plan. Potential partners should review the work plan with the understanding that while there will be some flexibility in tailoring this work to the needs of partners, the scope of this project is substantially set.

Documents Attached
Title File/Link Type Privacy Download
TPF-5(259) Closeout Funding Spreadsheet TPF-5(259) Closeout Funding Spreadsheet.pdf Other Public
Final Report 5259_Imaging_Tools.pdf Final Report Public
Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2016 Quarterly Report (Jan-Mar 2016).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2015 Quarterly Report (Apr-Jun 2015).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Apr - June 2014 Quarterly Report (Apr-June 2014).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2014 Quarterly Report (Jan-Mar 2014).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Oct - Dec 2013 Quarterly Report (Oct-Dec 2013).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Jul - Sep 2013 Quarterly Report (July-Sept 2013).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2013 Quarterly Report (Apr-Jun 2013).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2013 Quarterly Report (Jan-Mar 2013).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Oct - Dec 2012 Quarterly Report (Oct-Dec 2012).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Jul - Sep 2012 Quarterly Report (Jul-Sep 2012).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2012 Quarterly Report (Apr-Jun 2012).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Work Plan Imaging Tools Work Plan 4_5_2012.pdf Work Plan Public
Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2012 Quarterly report (Jan-Mar 2012).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Acceptance memo acceptance memo TPF-5(259).pdf Other Public
Documents Attached
Title File/Link Type Privacy Download
Imaging Tools for Evaluation of Gusset Plate Connections in Steel Truss Bridges http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP_RES/docs/ProjectWorkPlans/GussetPlateWorkPlan.pdf Solicitation Public

Imaging Tools for Evaluation of Gusset Plate Connections in Steel Truss Bridges

General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(259)
Lead Organization: Oregon Department of Transportation
Contract Start Date: Apr 17, 2012
Solicitation Number: 1302
Partners: CA, FHWA, ID, NC, NY, OR, TX, WI
Contractor(s): Oregon State University
Status: Closed
Est. Completion Date: Apr 30, 2016
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Oct 20, 2016
Contract End Date: Jun 30, 2016
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Total Commitments Received: $475,000.00
100% SP&R Approval:
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Joe Li
Xiugang.Li@odot.state.or.us
Phone: 503-986-4115
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Justin Ocel
justin.ocel@dot.gov
Phone: 202- 281-8213
Commitments by Organizations
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
California Department of Transportation 2011 $12,500.00 Michael Johnson Sang Le (916)701-3998 sang.le@dot.ca.gov
California Department of Transportation 2012 $25,000.00 Michael Johnson Sang Le (916)701-3998 sang.le@dot.ca.gov
California Department of Transportation 2013 $12,500.00 Michael Johnson Sang Le (916)701-3998 sang.le@dot.ca.gov
Federal Highway Administration 2011 $150,000.00 Justin Ocel David Pamplin david.pamplin@dot.gov
Idaho Department of Transportation 2012 $10,000.00 Matt Farrar Ned Parrish 208-334-8296 ned.parrish@itd.idaho.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2012 $25,000.00 Darshan Bansal Wes Yang 518-457-4660 wes.yang@dot.ny.gov
New York State Department of Transportation 2013 $35,000.00 Darshan Bansal Wes Yang 518-457-4660 wes.yang@dot.ny.gov
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2012 $20,000.00 Greg Perfetti Neil Mastin 919 707 6661 jmastin@ncdot.gov
North Carolina Department of Transportation 2013 $10,000.00 Greg Perfetti Neil Mastin 919 707 6661 jmastin@ncdot.gov
Oregon Department of Transportation 2011 $30,000.00 Steven Soltesz Michael Bufalino 503-986-2845 Michael.Bufalino@odot.oregon.gov
Oregon Department of Transportation 2012 $30,000.00 Steven Soltesz Michael Bufalino 503-986-2845 Michael.Bufalino@odot.oregon.gov
Oregon Department of Transportation 2013 $30,000.00 Steven Soltesz Michael Bufalino 503-986-2845 Michael.Bufalino@odot.oregon.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2012 $35,000.00 Bernie Carrasco Ned Mattila 512-416-4727 ned.mattila@txdot.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2012 $25,000.00 Joshua Dietsche Lynn Hanus 608-267-2294 lynnm.hanus@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2013 $25,000.00 Joshua Dietsche Lynn Hanus 608-267-2294 lynnm.hanus@dot.wi.gov

Study Description

Study Description

Collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minnesota has resulted in considerable interest in steel truss and gusset plate connection performance. The load paths in many of these bridges are non-redundant and thus failure of a truss member or connection may cause collapse of the structure. Periodic inspections and structural evaluations are crucial for these types of bridges. The most common method of evaluation that has been used to assess the safety of highway bridges is load rating, an approach used to estimate the available strength and allowable load on a bridge. Bridge load rating computer programs do not explicitly consider the gusset plates connecting the truss members. Hence, after the initial design calculations are completed and checked, it is unlikely that recalculations for load rating purposes have been made for gusset plates. As an outcome of the investigation into the collapse of the I-35W Bridge, steel truss bridge connections are required to undergo review. This additional scrutiny requires development of new tools to efficiently and effectively evaluate the large numbers of steel truss bridge connections in the inventory. Digital imaging techniques have been developed at Oregon State University to enable rapid collection of field geometric data from in-service gusset plates. These tools are implemented in software that allows extraction of gusset plate dimensional information to facilitate ratings. The present tools provide a basic set of functionality including rectification, metrification, and selected data extraction such as length, perimeter, and angles. These basic functions need enhancement to take full advantage of the advancements available to bridge inspection and management with digital imaging. Such enhancements are proposed to enable transportation agencies to efficiently and effectively collect geometric and condition data and use this data to evaluate and rate gusset plate connections.

Objectives

There are four main objectives of the proposed research: 1. Develop methods to collect dimensional gusset plate connection information including surface geometry and out-of-plane deformations on in-service gusset plates. 2. Develop methods to automate identification and optimization of reference target points. Develop methods to automate extraction of gusset plate edge locations, fastener locations and their corresponding member affiliations, and member orientations. 3. Develop finite element modeling and analysis techniques to directly rate gusset plates using extracted digital image data as the input source. 4. Develop software tools to manage and organize images and image data to enhance bridge management and allow identification of condition changes over time.

Scope of Work

Task 1: Literature Review: Review technical literature on image analysis, machine vision, and finite element analysis applicable to steel gusset plate connection evaluation. Task 2: Software Development and Data Collection Develop enhanced procedures for field inspectors to collect high fidelity three-dimensional geometric information of gusset plates. These procedures must be applicable to commonly encountered truss joint configurations. Execution of the procedures will involve the use of image editing software that will be developed through this research to allow for correction of out-of-plane distortion, image resizing and scale calibration, and extraction of dimensional measurements from the images. Task 3: Gusset Plate Finite Element Analysis: Develop a finite element analysis modeling and analysis protocol that can directly rate gusset plate connections for allowable stress rating, load factor rating, or load and resistance factored rating from the metric digital orthographs. Alternatively, inputs can be provided by the user from available drawings or other sources. Task 4: Implementation Example: Develop an example gusset plate analysis demonstrating the field data collection methods. The plate analysis will be benchmarked with ABAQUS and also compared with traditional design methods and the FHWA Guidelines for gusset plate connection evaluation. Task 5: Imaging Data Informatics for Bridge Management: Develop methods to manage, categorize, organize, and query digital orthographs to enable mapping correspondences with bridge inspection records and enhance long-term bridge management. Database structures will be developed that will enable image comparisons to be made between inspection intervals. Multi-scale imaging methods will enable coarse and fine metric features to be mapped and referenced to each other. A full set of truss bridge metric images will be collected, rectified, categorized, mapped, and linked to available drawings and inspection notes. Requirements of the imaging system will be developed and implementation protocols developed.

Comments

The project has a well developed work plan. Potential partners should review the work plan with the understanding that while there will be some flexibility in tailoring this work to the needs of partners, the scope of this project is substantially set.

Title File/Link Type Private
Final Report 5259_Imaging_Tools.pdf Final Report Public
Acceptance memo acceptance memo TPF-5(259).pdf Other Public
TPF-5(259) Closeout Funding Spreadsheet TPF-5(259) Closeout Funding Spreadsheet.pdf Other Public
Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2012 Quarterly report (Jan-Mar 2012).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2012 Quarterly Report (Apr-Jun 2012).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Jul - Sep 2012 Quarterly Report (Jul-Sep 2012).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Oct - Dec 2012 Quarterly Report (Oct-Dec 2012).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2013 Quarterly Report (Jan-Mar 2013).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2013 Quarterly Report (Apr-Jun 2013).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Jul - Sep 2013 Quarterly Report (July-Sept 2013).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Oct - Dec 2013 Quarterly Report (Oct-Dec 2013).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2014 Quarterly Report (Jan-Mar 2014).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Apr - June 2014 Quarterly Report (Apr-June 2014).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2015 Quarterly Report (Apr-Jun 2015).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2016 Quarterly Report (Jan-Mar 2016).pdf Quarterly Progress Report Public
Work Plan Imaging Tools Work Plan 4_5_2012.pdf Work Plan Public
Title File/Link Type Private
Imaging Tools for Evaluation of Gusset Plate Connections in Steel Truss Bridges Solicitation Public

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