摘要: |
Replacement of the SR 300-Saint George Island Causeway bridge near Apalachicola, Florida, with a new bridge now under construction has provided an opportunity to directly measure, through experimental means, the impact forces and related structural response parameters that are produced during barge collision events. The research is being conducted in separate phases - Phase I: Feasibility Study; Phase II: Design of Instrumentation Systems; and Phase III: Preparation, Testing, and Analysis of Results. This phase focused primarily of designing instrumentation systems and resolving logistical issues (Scheduling, coordination with the construction contractor, permitting, barge acquisition, etc.). In addition, the numerical impact simulation activities initiated during Phase I have also been continued. Finite element impact simulations have been used to design the impact load-cell array that will be used during the physical testing; choose data collection sensors (e.g. load-cells and accelerometers); adjust the planned sequence of impact-tests (in response to changes that have occurred in the contractor's construction and demolition schedules); and further examine the relationship between dynamic barge impact loads and the equivalent static loads specified in the ASHTO provisions. |