Hurricane Wave Forces on Highway Bridge Superstructure: Psuedo-dynamic Testing for Bridge Subassembly

A. Objectives The objectives of this study are related to the 2006-07, 2007-08 OTREC projects to look at the hurricane wave loads on highway bridges. For the third phase of this project, we will use the measured loads in Yr 1 and 2 to study the transfer of loads from the bridge superstructure to the column supports. B. Scope This is a one-year project focused on the structural aspects of the wave loads, specifically how the bridge responds through realistic modeling of the subassembly. C. Methodology Using the proposed psuedo-dynamic test methodology, full-size prototypes of a prestressed concrete cylinder pile…

A. Objectives
The objectives of this study are related to the 2006-07, 2007-08 OTREC projects to look at the hurricane wave loads on highway bridges.  For the third phase of this project, we will use the measured loads in Yr 1 and 2 to study the transfer of loads from the bridge superstructure to the column supports.

B. Scope
This is a one-year project focused on the structural aspects of the wave loads, specifically how the bridge responds through realistic modeling of the subassembly.

C. Methodology
Using the proposed psuedo-dynamic test methodology, full-size prototypes of a prestressed concrete cylinder pile (PCCP) supported bent-column assembly will be tested in the Structural Engineering Research Laboratory at Oregon State University. The laboratory floor is situated in the HWRL adjacent to the hydraulic model located in the wave flume. Two identical specimens are proposed, each being tested under different loading conditions. The first specimen will be tested using a conventional increasing amplitude reversed cyclic loading history to enable development of computational models of the bent-column-connection response. Additional loading cycles will be performed in the post-cracking and initial rebar yielding zones of behavior to characterize the response better at moderate damage states that may be more typical for hurricane induced loading. This conventional reversed cyclic loading protocol will facilitate use of the exhaustive data available from previous seismic performance tests of other column types, thereby enabling future parametric studies and extension of the research results to a wider range of structural systems. The second specimen will be tested under the sinusoidal wave loading history observed the Year 2 study. The wave forces will be generated assuming the bridge has been retrofitted to rigidly attach the girders (and thereby the deck) to the bent.

D. Results
This project advances technologies leading to safer design and repair of bridges subjected to wave loadings. The project will provide guidance on retrofit methods for existing methods. The resulting methodology may serve as a foundation for extensions to other hazard assessment applications including tsunami effects.