In this quarterly Research Seminar, Shima Mohebbi, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, and Mark Herman Dsouza, M.Sc. Student, present work under the ABC-UTC research project entitled Development of User-friendly Tools and Decision-making Algorithms for Service Life Design of ABC Bridges [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-OU02], conducted through the University of Oklahoma in collaboration with George Mason University, with Q&A panel member Royce W. Floyd, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., Co-Principal Investigator, University of Oklahoma.

Documents:
Development of User-friendly Tools and Decision-making Algorithms for Service Life Design of ABC Bridges - pdf of presentation
-  Link to Decision-making Tool for Service Life Design of Longitudinal Deck Closure Joints (to be posted soon!)
-  ABC-UTC Guide for Service Life Design of Longitudinal Deck Closure Joints [ABC-UTC-2013-C1-FIU05]
Q&A Session - pdf

Description: Prefabricated deck elements, one of the most popular ABC methods, are connected by cast-in-place closure joints onsite. The performance of the closure joints under service loads is critical since it affects the structural integrity and durability of the structure. There are several design methods available in the literature; however, they are not user friendly for bridge engineers and state DOTs to be used and implemented in their design. This presentation provides an overview of a web-based decision support tool designed to facilitate the use of existing manuals and bridge specifications in practice. The tool enables users to walk through the service life process with the aids of visual elements, suggestions, and make final design decisions, without having to know fully the theory behind probabilistic approaches. The estimated service life and initial costs are calculated for each solution/mitigation strategy given in the guide, and trade-off analyses, using a multi-criteria decision-making algorithm, are conducted to choose the best option.

Presenters:

Presentation Graphics:

Figure 1. System architecture

Figure 2. Closure joint selection

Figure 3. Service life parameters