Date of Award:

5-2010

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Marvin Halling

Committee

Marvin Halling

Committee

Paul Barr

Committee

Joe Caliendo

Abstract

This study discusses five bridges on Utah's I-80 that were replaced in the summer of 2008 using Accelerated Bridge Construction methods. Each superstructure was built offsite and moved into place with the use of Self-Propelled Modular Transporters. The bridges were instrumented and monitored during the moving process to investigate the effects of moving an entire superstructure into place. Collected data was analyzed to find the level of stress each superstructure experienced during lifting, moving, and placement of each bridge.

The change in supporting conditions from when the superstructure was built to being transferred onto Self-Propelled Modular Transporters caused significant stress reversals for all the bridges studied. A two-dimensional analysis was done using the dead load of the structure to find the initial stresses in the superstructure when supported on temporary abutments. The measured change in stress due to lifting was compared to calculations. The difference between these two stresses was defined as the lifting stress in the superstructure. Additionally, dynamic stresses incurred due to the bridge moving are determined to be within design tolerance.

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