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Completed projects | Research in progress

Completed projects

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Title: Specification and Design of Fiber Reinforced Bridge Deck Forms for Use on Wide Flange T-Girders
Project ID: 0092-06-07
Publication Date: July 2008
Investigator: Lawrence Bank, University of Wisconsin-Madison
WisDOT Contact: Scot Becker
Final report (3.3 MB)
Research Brief (281 KB)
Researchers sought to develop performance specifications for testing nonmetalic stay-in-place fromwork for use in highway bridge deck construction. The test results provided information on the strength, serviceability and behavior under accidental impact loads of these SIP forms.

Title: Reducing Shrinkage Cracking of Structural Concrete through the Use of Admixtures 
Project ID: 0092-04-13
Publication Date: February 2007
Investigator: Tarun Naik, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
WisDOT Contact: Scot Becker
Final report (1.3 MB)
Research Brief (322 KB)
Reducing damage caused by shrinkage cracking on bridge decks could lengthen a bridge’s service life by two to three times. This project evaluated the effectiveness of three shrinkage-reducing admixtures at reducing autogenous shrinkage and drying shrinkage in concrete mixtures made with and without fly ash. In laboratory tests, all three reduced shrinkage, and the researchers provided recommended dosage rates for each.

Title: Evaluation of Concrete Deck and Crack Sealers
Project ID: 0092-03-09
Publication Date: August 2005
Investigator: Jose Pincheira, University of Wisconsin-Madison
WisDOT contact: Scot Becker
Final report (1.1 MB)
Research Brief (260 KB)
This research evaluated the effectiveness and performance of 13 deck sealants and 10 crack sealants using laboratory tests that simulated exposure to deicing salts and freeze-thaw cycles. The researchers identified several stand-out sealants. WisDOT is considering incorporating the test methodologies from this study into its sealant testing program.

Title: Non-Destructive Testing of Highway Bridge Structures
Project ID: 0092-00-15
Publication Date: June 2005
Investigator: Alan Ghorbanpor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
WisDOT contact: Stan Woods
Final report (1.4 MB)
Research Brief (238 KB)
This study evaluated methods for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of bridge components, such as vibration and radiographic testing, ultrasonic imaging, acoustic emission, gamma ray tomography, infrared thermography, radar, ultrasonic pulse velocity and others. Selected NDE devices were tested in the laboratory and field.

Title: Rehabilitation Techniques for Concrete Bridges
Project ID: 0092-01-06
Publication Date: June 2005
Investigator: Habib Tabatabai, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
WisDOT contact: Stan Woods
Final report part 1 (176 KB)
Final report part 2 (1.7 MB)
Final report part 3 (3.8 MB)
Final report part 4 Appendix A (5.3 MB), Appendices B-D (13 MB), Appendices E-F (5.1 MB)
Research Brief (353 KB)
Most of Wisconsin's 13,000 bridges are constructed of concrete, and nearly half of them are more than 60 years old. This project sought to develop a comprehensive set of guidelines and procedures for bridge rehabilitation techniques. The information has been brought together in a searchable database with complementary diagnostic software.

Title: Health Monitoring of Bridge Structures and Components Using Smart-Structure Technology
Project ID: 0092-04-14
Publication Date: March 2005
Investigator: Brent M. Phares, Iowa State University
WisDOT Contact: Stan Woods
Final Report Vol. 1 (607 KB)
Final Report Vol. 2 (1.7  MB)
Research Brief  (197 KB)
This study synthesized the applicability, capability, and viability of various current and emerging health monitoring sensor systems and inspection techniques for early detection of potential problems. Implementation could result in more effective preventive maintenance on bridges, as well as potential insights for more durable designs.

Title: Structural Analysis of Sign and Luminaire Support Structures
Project ID: 0092-00-16
Publication Date: September 2004
Investigator: Christopher Foley, Marquette University
WisDOT contact: Stan Woods
Final report (7.4 MB)
Research Brief  (438 KB)
This study identified causes of failure in both luminaire supports and sign bridge structures. The study provided fatigue life estimates for these structures, which can now shed light onto the causes of the cracking found and the failures experienced. Data on past failures was collected and analyzed to determine failure modes. Inspection procedures were also reviewed and evaluated for effectiveness.

Title: Integrated Field and Office Tools for Bridge Management
Project ID: 0092-03-10
Publication Date: October 2003
Investigator: Teresa Adams, University of Wisconsin-Madison
WisDOT contact: Stan Woods
Final report (2.7 MB)
Research Brief (353 KB)
This project investigated use of field computers for WisDOT bridge inspectors and found the Tablet PC to be a viable time-saving tool. A literature survey and cost-effectiveness assessment are also reported.

Title: Rapid Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Bridges
Project ID: 0092-02-14b
Publication Date: October 2003
Investigator: Larry Bank, University of Wisconsin-Madison
WisDOT contact: Stan Woods
Final report (5.7 MB)
Research Brief (516 KB)
This study demonstrated the success of an innovative technique for strengthening reinforced concrete beams (or slabs) by attaching FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) strips to the underside of the beam using powder actuated fasteners and mechanical anchors instead of the traditional method of adhesively bonding the FRP strips.

Title: Assessment & Rehabilitation Strategies/Guidelines to Maximize Service Life of Concrete Structures
Project ID: 0092-00-17
Publication Date: February 2002
Investigator: Teresa Adams, University of Wisconsin-Madison
WisDOT contact: Stan Woods
Final report (1 MB)
Research Brief (186 MB)
This study evaluated the cost effectiveness of current bridge maintenance strategies and developed a spreadsheet tool for evaluating life-cycle maintenance strategies for existing concrete bridge decks. The spreadsheet constructs a performance curve for existing bridge decks, computes the estimated service life of common treatments for bridge decks such as patching, concrete or asphaltic overlays as well as that of a new deck with epoxy coated bars, conducts a life-cycle cost analysis for common maintenance scenarios, and determines the optimal maximum (tolerable) condition index that minimizes total life-cycle maintenance cost. 

Research in progress

See all quarterly reports for in-progress structures research on the WHRP Web site.

Title: Rapid Response Bridge NDE
Project ID: 0092-04-15
Investigator: Alan Ghorbanpor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
WisDOT Contact: Scot Becker
The objective of this study is to identify and acquire appropriate non-destructive evaluation (NDE) equipment and techniques for use on both steel and concrete bridge members. Effective and reliable candidates for generating rapid field results will be identified via research and cost-benefit analysis. The expected benefit to  WisDOT is the use of new tools for reliably and quickly assessing structural  integrity of various bridge structures and pavements, permitting quick maintenance and/or rehabilitative response to potential problems.

Title: In-Situ Monitoring and Testing of IBRC Bridges
Project ID: 0092-05-02
Investigator: Chris Foley, Marquette University
WisDOT Contact: Scot Becker
This study will examine bridges built with the novel fiber-reinforced polymer composite stay-in-place form system and a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) grillage system, both used for bridge deck reinforcement. Studying traditional bridges compared to these new bridges will help identify sources of deterioration, durability, and effectiveness of the load transfer mechanisms that are employed.  The study will hopefully produce recommendations for long-lasting FRP-reinforced bridge decks.

Title: Electronic Automation of LRFD Design Programs
Project ID: 0092-05-03
Investigator: Toorak Zokaie, LEAP Software, Inc.
WisDOT Contact: Scot Becker
The study will provide electronic programs to WisDOT for designing prestressed girders and piers.  The programs will allow the WisDOT to make a smooth transition to Load Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) design.

Title: Evaluation of Methods of Rebar Protection, Spall Prevention, and Repair Techniques on Concrete Girders
Project ID: 0092-06-06
Investigator: Habib Tabatabai, University of Wisconsin­­–Milwaukee
WisDOT contact: Scot Becker
Researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of methods and materials for protecting and repairing concrete bridges, including new patching materials and methods, coatings, sealers, chloride removal techniques, and other bridge repair methods currently considered promising but not yet tested in Wisconsin.

Title: Specification and Design of Fiber Reinforced Bridge Deck Forms for Use on Wide Flange T-Girders
Project ID: 0092-06-07
Investigator: Larry Bank, University of Wisconsin­­–Madison 
WisDOT contact: Scot Becker
Researchers will test designs of fiber-reinforced bridge deck forms to determine the necessary form thickness, span length, material specifications, form support and elevation adjustment techniques. They will use this data to develop design standards for this new construction method, which promises to reduce time and costs in bridge building.

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Last modified: July 25, 2008