This study is phase 2 of a two phase research project. In Phase 1 a structural health monitoring system (SHMS) was installed
on the Chulitna River Bridge. This bridge is 790 feet long, 42 foot 2 inches wide and has 5 spans. As part of that effort, three loaded
dump trucks were used to conduct seventeen static and dynamic loadings on the structure. In addition to studying the bridge using
SHMS, two ambient free vibration tests were conducted a year apart by.
In 1993, the deck on this 1970 five span bridge was widened from 34-feet to a 42 foot 2 inch concrete deck. Increased load
was accounted for by strengthening two variable depth exterior girders and converting interior stringers to interior truss girders.
Construction documents for the upgrade called for stage construction. At the time of this study, the bridge had five bearings that were
not in contact with the superstructure.
Feasibility of using Structural Health Monitoring Systems (SHMS) for Alaska Highway Bridges was examined. Also, SHMS
data for the load tests of Phase 1 were used to calibrate a three-dimensional model (FEM) to predict response and conduct a 2014
Operating Load Rating.LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... iv
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................ vii
DISCLAIMER .............................................................................................................................. ix
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY............................................................................................................. 1
CHAPTER 1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 3
1.1 History .............................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Bridge Details ................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Phase 1 Research Study.................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Phase 2 Research Study.................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2.0 LOAD RATING.................................................................................................... 7
2.1 General ............................................................................................................................. 7
2.2 Operating Load Rating ................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Investigation with updated calibrated finite element model, FEM (as-is
condition) ............................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.2 Model 1 – Four members (A, B, C, and D) removed ............................................. 11
2.2.3 Model 2 – Five members (A, B, C, D, and E) removed ......................................... 11
2.2.4 Other alternative operating load ratings. ................................................................. 12
CHAPTER 3.0 CALIBRATED FINITE ELEMENT MODEL ................................................... 32
CHAPTER 4.0 PROPOSED ALASKA BRIDGE MONITORING SYSTEM ............................ 34
4.1 General ........................................................................................................................... 34
4.2 Selecting SHMS for Alaska ........................................................................................... 35
4.3 New Bridges (Proposed Monitoring Systems) ............................................................... 36
4.4 Existing Bridges (Proposed Monitoring Systems) ......................................................... 36
4.5 All Bridges (Proposed Monitoring Systems) ................................................................. 36
CHAPTER 5.0 CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................. 39
5.1 Phase 1 (Previous Study)................................................................................................ 39
5.1.1 Gravity load testing ................................................................................................. 39
5.1.2 Ambient testing (2012 tests were Phase 1; 2013 tests were Phase 2) ..................... 40
5.2 Phase 2 (Current Study) ................................................................................................. 40
5.2.1 Outcome 1 – Finite element model ......................................................................... 41
5.2.2 Outcome 2 – Structural evaluation and load rating ................................................ 41
5.2.3 Outcome 3 – LRFR HL-93 live load stresses for the critical members .................. 41
APPENDIX A – SIMPLE ACCURACY TEST............................................................................ 44
APPENDIX B – LONGITUDINAL BEHAVIOR TEST ............................................................. 47
APPENDIX C – MODEL IMPROVEMENTS (LONGITUDINAL DIRECTION) .................... 50
APPENDIX D – TRANSVERSE BEHAVIOR PRIOR TO MODEL MODIFICATIONS.......... 52
APPENDIX E – MODEL IMPROVEMENTS (TRANSVERSE DIRECTION)......................... 57
APPENDIX F – CORRELATION BETWEEN CALIBRATED MODEL AND
EXPERIMENTAL DATA............................................................................................................. 61
APPENDIX G – CALIBRATED FINITE ELEMENT MODEL ................................................. 63
APPENDIX H – SENSOR LAYOUT .......................................................................................... 66
APPENDIX I – LOAD TESTING................................................................................................ 69
APPENDIX J – A FUTURISTIC APPROACH TO CALIBRATING A FINITE ELEMENT
MODEL ........................................................................................................................................ 8
