On-Going Projects

3rd-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)

• Alternative Materials and Configurations for Prestressed-precast Concrete Pile Splice Connection [FIU-2016-3-1]: The objective of this project is to explore alternative pile splice connection configurations and materials, and to investigate the feasibility of these connections in comparison with the existing epoxy dowel splice for prestressed-precast concrete piles.
• Alternative Technical Concepts for Contract Delivery Methods in Accelerated Bridge Construction [FIU-2016-3-2]: The primary objective for this research project is to determine the factors which impact the integration of ATC in ABC projects through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). A hierarchy model will be developed and used to create a guideline for effective adoption of ATC in ABC projects, which will accelerate the design, construction processes, and procurement of infrastructure assets for either rehabilitation or new projects related to ABC.
• Work Zone Safety Analysis, Investigating Benefits from Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) on Roadway Safety [FIU-2016-3-3]: This research project fills the gap by, at first glance, seeking to identify the contributing factors that affect the severity of work zone crashes associated with worker presence and crash frequency at construction work zone locations. Then, provides quantitative evidence of how much benefits can be obtained through the ABC implementation as compared with conventional on-site bridge construction from roadway safety points of view.
• Use of UHPC in Conjection with Pneumatic Spray Application and Robotic for Repair and Strengthening of Culverts- Phase I [FIU-2016-3-4]: The main objective of this project is to develop a roadmap for conducting systematic research that could lead to the development of complete design and construction approach for strengthening existing substandard culverts using UHPC through robots with pneumatic spray application.
• Prefabricated Barrier System Utilizing UHPC Connections [FIU-2016-3-5]: A new prefabricated barrier system utilizing UHPC connection to deck overhangs is proposed under this project. Under this project, component and large scale testing will be conducted along with extensive finite element models to ensure that the proposed prefabricated barrier system with UHPC connections meets TL-4 requirements.
• Robotic Bridge Construction: Experimental Phase I [FIU-2016-3-6]: The proposed research is the second phase of the Cycle 2 project “Robotics and Automation in ABC Projects: Exploratory Phase- ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU05”. In the exploratory phase, the PIs are identifying suitable materials, ultra-high performance concrete”, suitable robotic systems “mobile robot and 3d-printing system”, and suitable prefabricated bridge elements “UHPC shells for bridge columns and beams”.
• Rapid Repair and Retrofit of Timber Piles Using UHPC [FIU-2016-3-7]: Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) offers great solutions for repairing and retrofitting bridge elements. In this research UHPC is utilized to restore and upgrade the capacity of deteriorated timber piles. This research project investigates both bond strength between timber as substrate material and UHPC as repair material in addition to studying the load carrying mechanism of repaired/retrofitted timber piles using UHPC.
• Automated MFL System for Corrosion Detection [FIU-2016-3-8]: The proposed project is aimed at using the methodology that is developed under other projects and supported by other agencies and automates the process for accelerated field application. The scope of the work and budget is kept at minimum budget since the majority of the related work and research have been completed under other projects.

2nd-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)

• Development of Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU01]: The proposed study by FIU is part of a larger overall project including all five of the ABC-UTC partner universities. The main objective of this proposed study is to develop a non-proprietary UHPC mix design, labeled “ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix,” made with local materials that can achieve the necessary mechanical properties and durability for use in bridge components, repair, and connections.
• Performance Of Existing ABC Projects: Inspection Case Studies [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU02]: The primary objective of this project is to collect much needed information on performance of two in-service ABC bridges. It is envisioned that inspection will include routine visual inspection, special inspection of certain details, and application of NDT methods wherever needed.  The results will be compiled in a format for effective recording and will be reported accordingly.
• Development of  ABC  Course Module Available ABC Bridge Systems for Short Span Bridges [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU03]: The primary objective of development of this course is to provide a general knowledge about the application of ABC for short-span bridges covering various aspects of decision-making, construction methods, available elements and systems, performance and inspection, design, detailing and connections.
• Optimization of Advanced Cementitious Material for Bridge Deck Overlays and Upgrade, Including Shotcrete [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU04]: This research project addresses the design considerations required for successful application of UHPC as an alternative material for deck overlay. The research project conducts a comprehensive literature review on bridge deck overlay, material level testing, large scale level testing for UHPC bridge deck overlays, and numerical modelling to optimize design parameters.
• Robotics and Automation in ABC Projects: Exploratory Phase [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU05]: The use of automation and robotics in ABC projects has numerous advantages including increased quality of prefabricated elements, and reducing the accident rate at construction sites. In order to facilitate the implementation of automation and robotics, a comprehensive literature review and feasibility studies will be carried out to identify suitable mobile robots, construction material, prefabricated elements, and in-situ connections.
• Laminated Wood Deck System for Folded Plate Girder [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU06]: The proposed research suggests experimental testing and finite element modelling for a modular unit of FPG with laminated wood deck. In the suggested experimental work, large scale specimen will be tested under fatigue loading for service life design and under ultimate load for AASHTO strength design.
• Understanding Critical Impacting Factors and Trends on Bridge Design, Construction, and Maintenance for Future Planning [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU07]: The main objective of this project is to understand the trends of critical impacting factors and examine how these factors may impact the way that bridges are designed, constructed, and maintained.
• Complex Network Perspectives Towards Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU08]: The objective of this study is to present a method for assessing the vulnerability of a bridge network system and a strategy for improving its resiliency. With growing attention to risk-based inspection and maintenance of infrastructure, accurate knowledge of the vulnerabilities and importance, as well as consideration of interrelation among bridges in a network becomes crucial. The bridge network system in the state of Florida, USA will be used as a case study in this project.

1st-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)

• Development Of Guide For Selection Of Substructure For ABC Projects [ABC-UTC-2016-C1-FIU01]:  The primary objective of this project is to provide guidelines for decision making by the designers and bridge owners for the selection of substructure and foundation for new bridges and replacement of existing bridges using ABC methods. This is a joint project between FIU and OU, with OU focusing on foundation and FIU on remaining.
• Field Demonstration-Instrumentation and monitoring of Accelerated Repair Using UHPC Shell [ABC-UTC-2016-C1-FIU02]:  The main objective of this project is to select an existing in-service bridge with damaged column element, retrofit it using UHPC shell, using cast in place technique, instrument it and monitor it to identify deterioration of the repair and substrate material as well as development of corrosion of steel within the column.
• Envisioning Connection Detail for Connecting Concrete Filled Tube (CFT) Columns to Cap Beam for High Speed Rail Application [ABC-UTC-2016-C1- FIU03]:The main objective of the project is to develop sufficient amount of data and proof of concept test, for system(s) that could be used to connect the cap beam and pile cap beam to CFT columns in ABC projects. This is a joint project between FIU and UW.
• Innovative Foundation Alternative for High Speed Rail Application [ABC-UTC-2016-C1-FIU04]:  The objectives of this project include; development and validation of innovative foundation systems for HSR applications, detailed finite element modeling; and NL FE analysis to investigate the seismic response of HSR bridges with innovative foundations. This is a joint project between FIU and UNR, with FIU focusing on the component modeling and UNR on incorporation into the bridge system.
• Eliminating Column Formwork Using Prefabricated UHPC Shells: (Originally a subproject of “Envisioning Connection Detail for Connecting Concrete Filled Tube (CFT) Columns to Cap Beam for High Speed Rail Application”) [ABC-UTC-2016-C1-FIU05]: The proposed research suggests experimental testing and finite element modeling for bridge columns with prefabricate a shell which acts as permanent stay-in-place form for bridge elements. The prefabricated shell is intended to eliminate the conventional formwork and scaffolding while reducing the on-site construction time and acting as a durable protective layer for normal strength concrete inside it.

Completed Projects

3rd-Cycle Projects (2013-grant)

• Corrosion Durability of Reinforced Concrete Utilizing UHPC for ABC Applications [ABC-UTC-2013-C3-FIU01]:  The overall objective of this project is to investigate the corrosion durability performance of UHPC joints between precast reinforced concrete sections.
• Extending Maximum Length of the Folded Steel Plate Girder Bridge System (FSPGBS), exceeding 100 ft. with capability to Incorporate Camber [ABC-UTC-2013-C3-FIU02]:  The main objective of the proposed project is to develop a new version of Folded Steel Plate Girder Bridge System (FSPGBS) with maximum span length, exceeding 100 ft. with allowance to incorporate camber.
• NDT Methods Applicable to Health Monitoring of ABC Closure Joints [ABC-UTC-2013-C3-FIU03]:  This project involves search, identification, and adaptation or development of practical and economical methods for field inspection and damage detection of ABC closure joints, immediately after completion and periodically thereafter during its service life.
• Performance Comparison of In-Service, Full-Depth Precast Concrete Deck Panels to Cast-in-Place Decks [ABC-UTC-2013-C3-FIU04]:   The primary objective of this project is to determine the actual in-service performance of full-depth, precast deck panels compared to conventional cast-in-place (CIP) decks.
• A Predictive Computer Program for Proactive Demolition Planning [ABC-UTC-2013-C3-FIU05] :  The project objective is to enhance the predictive capability of bridge demolition process by developing a computational framework that can efficiently simulate feasible demolition scenarios and take the guesswork out of equation.
• Principal and Considerations for Design of Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Inspection and Survey [ABC-UTC-2013-C3-FIU06]:  The ABC Drone (ABCD) project is designed to investigate the applications within the ABC methods where drone technology can be utilized for improving or facilitating the process for accuracy, economy, timeliness and safety. It will provide guidelines to overcome the many challenges of using drones for inspection and construction programs.

2nd-Cycle Projects (2013-grant)

• Demolition Requirements for Bridge Construction Projects – Best Practices Guideline (Phase I) [ABC-UTC-2013-C2-FIU01]: The goal of this project is to determine the current state of practice and state of the art in bridge demolition (both conventional and ABC) and develop a best practices guideline for bridge demolition. Phase I of this project involved a survey of State DOTs on their bridge demolition practices.
• Estimating Total Cost of Bridge Construction using ABC and Conventional Methods of Construction (Phase II) [ABC-UTC-2013-C2-FIU02]: The objective of this project is to create a framework for evaluating and utilizing public costs as part of the decision-making processes associated with bridge construction and the development of a public cost analysis and estimation tool. This is Phase II of the project.
• Alternative ABC Connections Utilizing UHPC [ABC-UTC-2013-C2-FIU03]: This project will focus on the exploration of UHPC joint details for use in ABC projects through experimental, analytical, and numerical work.
• Extending Application of SDCL to ABC (Phase II – Experimental) [ABC-UTC-2013-C2-FIU04]: The objective of this second phase is to experimentally investigate SDCL for steel bridge details developed in Phase I of the project.
• Accelerated Retrofit Of Bridge Columns using UHPC Shell – Phase I: Feasibility Study: ( Originally a sub- project of “Alternative ABC Connections Utilizing UHPC.” ) [ABC-UTC-2013-C2-FIU05]: This research aims to investigate the performance of UHPC as retrofit material for damaged bridge columns. To achieve this goal, an experimental study was designed to evaluate the mechanical performance of the repaired columns under a combination of static axial and cyclic lateral loads (to simulate operational conditions).
• Experimental Investigation of High Performing Protective Shell Used for Retrofitting Bridge Elements ( Originally a sub-project of “Alternative ABC Connections Utilizing UHPC.”) [ABC-UTC-2013-C2-FIU06]: The goal of this project is to provide an alternative method for retrofitting the flexural bridge elements by attaching a layer of UHPC shell to damaged areas.

1st-Cycle Projects (2013-grant)

• Compilation of ABC Solutions [ABC-UTC-2013-C1-FIU01]: The objective of the project is to compile information on existing accelerated bridge technologies and present the information in a manner useful to designers.
• International Database of ABC Research [ABC-UTC-2013-C1-FIU02]: This project involves the development of a comprehensive database that is both user friendly and easily navigable.
• Estimating Total Cost of Bridge Construction using ABC and Conventional Methods of Construction (Phase I) [ABC-UTC-2013-C1-FIU03]: The objective of this project is to create a framework for evaluating and utilizing public costs as part of the decision-making processes associated with bridge construction and the development of a public cost analysis and estimation tool.
• Extending Application of SDCL to ABC (Phase I – Conceptual and Analytical)  [ABC-UTC-2013-C1-FIU04]: The objective of the study is to develop necessary details and design provisions for extending the application of the simple for dead and continuous for live load steel bridge system to highly seismic areas.
• Development of Manual for Enhanced Service Life of ABC Projects [ABC-UTC-2013-C1-FIU05]:  The main objective of this project is to develop a manual devoted to service life performance of ABC projects