摘要: |
Precast deck panel bridges have a long history of premature deterioration in Florida. A ten year, $78 million program is currently underway to systematically replace selected deck panel bridges in Districts 1 and 7 with full-depth, cast-in-place concrete decks. As not all the bridges are in the same state of disrepair, a strategy was needed to objectively rank relative deterioration and thereby optimize the replacement process. The goal of this research project was to develop a simple, rational procedure that would assist in prioritizing the replacement of deck panel bridges in Districts 1 and 7. Originally, it was envisaged that this goal would be met using three-dimensional finite element analysis. The numerical model would be calibrated using inspection records, laboratory testing, and limited non-destructive field evaluation to identify bearing support for the panels. However, a literature review and responses from a survey of State DOTs indicated that non-destructive evaluation using ground penetrating radar would not be suitable for this application. Therefore, a modified approach was developed in which greater emphasis was placed on inspection data and on the on-site forensic studies of the deck panel bridges being replaced. The forensic studies yielded data that permitted the development of a progressive degradation model. This model was the basis for the ranking procedure and was incorporated into a computer program (PANEL) developed for this study. PANEL uses information on deterioration from inspection reports, along with other factors (e.g., importance of the bridge), to arrive at rankings for replacement. |