An Agent-based Decision Support Tool to Identify Near-Miss Incidents and Accessibility Issues in Accelerated Bridge Construction[ABC-UTC-2016-C6-OU01]: While several techniques are available to accelerate bridge superstructure construction, limited techniques are available to accelerate bridge substructure construction. Hollow-core FRP-concrete-steel (HC-FCS) columns – a concrete core sandwiched between an outer FRP tube and an inner steel tube – provide a potential solution for accelerating bridge substructure construction and offer several advantages over traditional construction materials including enhanced ductility and energy absorption, improved axial and flexural strength, and enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. This project will consist of static cyclic testing of half-scale columns, a parametric finite element analysis, and development of design procedures and recommendations for HC-FCS columns.
Precast Ductile End-Diaphragm System for Accelerated Construction of Slab-On-Girder Prestressed Concrete Bridges in Seismic Regions[ABC-UTC-2016-C6-OU02]:This research project focuses on the development and evaluation of precast concrete ductile end-diaphragm elements for accelerated bridge construction (ABC) techniques. The objectives include calibrating computational models, synthesizing analytical evidence, and developing guidelines for the seismic performance of these prefabricated elements. The research aims to enhance the understanding and application of ABC solutions for both new bridge designs and retrofitting existing infrastructure, particularly in high-risk seismic regions.
5th-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)
Innovative Multi-Hazard-Resistant Bridge Columns for ABC[ABC-UTC-2016-C5-OU01]: While several techniques are available to accelerate bridge superstructure construction, limited techniques are available to accelerate bridge substructure construction. Hollow-core FRP-concrete-steel (HC-FCS) columns – a concrete core sandwiched between an outer FRP tube and an inner steel tube – provide a potential solution for accelerating bridge substructure construction and offer several advantages over traditional construction materials including enhanced ductility and energy absorption, improved axial and flexural strength, and enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. This project will consist of static cyclic testing of half-scale columns, a parametric finite element analysis, and development of design procedures and recommendations for HC-FCS columns.
Adoption and Implementation of Project Management Plans (PMPs) for ABC Projects: Benefits and Challenges[ABC-UTC-2016-C5-OU02]:The research team will build on the team’s previously completed framework of PMP for ABC project for use by project teams to develop PMPs specifically for ABC projects. In this proposed project, the completed template will be piloted by the DOTs and contractors that the researchers will partner with. The resulting analysis will describe effective ways to use the previously developed PMP for ABC framework and, more importantly, effective ways to use the PMP as a reference for the successful completion of a project.
Bond Behavior of Nano-Enhanced Polymer Concrete for Bridge Deck Overlays[ABC-UTC-2016-C5-OU03]:Polymer concrete overlays have proven to be a suitable system for accelerated bridge construction due to their rapid cure, light weight, and small thickness. This project aims to investigate through calendaring process and ASTM C1583 techniques, the effect of nano-modification of polymer concrete on their bond behavior in an effort to develop a strong bond with the base structure offering improved chemical resistance and wearability extending life of the bridge systems.
4th-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)
Design Guidance for UHPC Connections of Precast Girders Made Continuous for Live Load [ABC-UTC-2016-C4-OU01]: Use of continuous bridge spans can reduce the required section size and can improve bridge durability by reducing the number of deck joints. If not detailed and constructed properly, continuity connections for precast concrete girders using conventional concrete tend to crack from the bottom due to moments resulting from creep and shrinkage effects in the girders. Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has been successfully used in multiple applications related to connection of precast concrete bridge components and is frequently used in accelerated bridge construction In general, joints replaced or connections made using UHPC will have better durability and will allow for a smaller quantity of material to be used while still obtaining adequate load transfer between connected components.
Risk and Resilience of Bridges: Toward Development of Hazard-Based Assessment Framework, Research Needs, and Benefits of Accelerated Construction[ABC-UTC-2016-C4-FIU-OU-UNR-Collab1]: This project seeks to document and synthesize the current state of practice related to assessment of risk and resilience of bridges and other structures and conducting target surveys to identify the current state of practice with transportation agencies and cities. The collected information will be utilized to develop holistic resilience and risk assessment framework for existing and new bridges, including ABC bridges, accelerated upgrade (enhanced robustness), and accelerated repair (enhanced rapidity), under multi-hazards to emphasis on accelerated construction benefits.
3rd-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)
Service Life Design Guidance for UHPC Link Slabs [ABC-UTC-2016-C3-OU01]: This project will examine service life design considerations for UHPC link slabs including economic analysis relative to other construction alternatives. The main objective of this project is to synthesize available information on UHPC link slabs to be used within the framework of SHRP2 R19A for service life design of bridges.
2nd-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)
Development of Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix[ABC-UTC-2016-C2-OU01]: The primary objective of the project is to develop guidance for an “ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix” design produced with local materials that can achieve the necessary mechanical properties and durability for use in bridge component connections. The five ABC-UTC partner institutions will coordinate efforts to examine material properties, reinforcing bar development length, shear behavior, full-scale joint behavior, and durability of the “ABC-UTC Non-Proprietary UHPC Mix.”
Performance of Existing ABC Projects: Inspection Case Studies[ABC-UTC-2016-C2-OU03]: This project has two components. The first component involves performance evaluation of two existing ABC projects. These projects will be selected in cooperation with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the ABC-UTC leadership at the Florida International University. The second component involves outreach (summer camp as an element) and center operation.
1st-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)
Development of Guide for Selection of Substructure for ABC Projects[ABC-UTC-2016-C1-OU01]: 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.
Completed Projects
4th-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)
Project Management Plans to Support Successful Delivery of Accelerated Bridge Construction Projects[ABC-UTC- 2016-C4-OU02]: While there is guidance for how to complete Project Management Plans (PMPs) for major projects, the specifics of developing a PMP for an ABC project are not addressed in the guidance provided by the FHWA or in the SHRP 2 R10 report. Researchers on this project will analyze archival data, current practices, and existing literature to develop a framework for PMPs to be used on ABC projects. Researchers will then meet with DOT and industry professionals to validate the framework. The resulting fine-tuned framework will be a tool for project teams to develop their PMPs for ABC projects.
3rd-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)
Development of User-friendly Tools and Decision-making Algorithms for Service Life Design of ABC Bridges [ABC-UTC-2016-C3-OU02]: The goal of this project is to develop a prototype web-based tool and decision-making algorithms to design closure joints for service life and durability. This will allow users to walk through the service life process with the aids of visual elements, suggestions and tips, and make final design decisions, without having to know fully the theory behind probabilistic approaches.
2nd-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)
Development of ABC Course Module – The Risk Due to Induced Earthquakes and Accelerated Solutions[ABC-UTC-2016-C2-OU02]: The objective of this continuing education course is to provide the bridge community with the opportunity to learn how to estimate the cumulative seismic demand on bridges, both accelerated and conventional, due to a large number of small-to-moderate earthquakes and to educate engineers on the potential use of ABC repair/retrofit technologies. The 1-hour web-based course will provide training on the ABC-UTC Guidelines for Assessing Effect of Frequent, Low-Level Seismic Events. Also, a brief survey of available ABC repair techniques appropriate for cumulatively damaged bridges will be provided.
1st-Cycle Projects (2016-grant)
Rapid Retrofitting Techniques For Induced Earthquakes – Phase I[ABC-UTC-2016-C1-OU02]: The objective of this project is to develop analysis techniques to study the effect of large number of small earthquakes on bridges and identify appropriate ABC methods for repair of bridges damaged by induced earthquakes. Expected outcomes will be new analysis tools and guidelines to assess for damage from induced earthquakes in Phase I (completed) and specifications for application of ABC repair methods in Phase II (unfunded).
