Current ICT Project
Investigators:
  Jerome F. Hajjar (Primary), James M. LaFave, Larry A. Fahnestock
Project Title:
  Calibration & Refinement of Illinois' Earthquake Resisting System Bridge Design Methodology
Start Date: 1/1/2009
End Date: 12/31/2011
Summary of Project:
  In this research, various aspects of the IDOT ERS strategy will be examined and improved upon. Experimental research will include testing on bridge bearing “fuses”; computational research will include seismic analysis of bridge systems and bearing subassemblies. The focus of the work will predominantly be on new construction of common steel girder and bulb-tee prestressed concrete girder bridges, including both simply-supported bridges and multi-span bridges with straight girders, common cross-frame configurations, and aligned or mildly-skewed supports. Common substructure configurations will be investigated, such as concrete column or wall pier assemblies and pile bents, with drilled shafts or piles.
Objective of Project:
  The objectives of the work are to utilize a combined experimental and computational research program to investigate, validate, calibrate, and adjust high-priority components of the current Illinois Earthquake Resisting System strategy for bridge design, with a focus on the structural characteristics and seismic hazard that are typical in Southern Illinois.
Expected Outcome:
  Results will include verification of bearing fuse capacities and prevention of span loss during a seismic event. New bridges will be expected to have enhanced safety and robustness; require less design effort since safe and effective configurations will be identified; and have reduced costs as compared to current approaches. Outcomes include: 1. Refined bearing fuse design criteria; 2. Improved bridge detailing methods as they relate to the overall seismic system performance; 3. Initial assessment of revised design values of R-factors for bridge systems and strength reduction factors () for substructure design; 5. Time permitting, an appropriate method of pushover analysis.
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Last Updated: 10/21/2009