Bridge Expansion Joints Research Articles

Retrofitting and Rehabilitation of damage footbridge over Yamuna River

Every Structure has a certain predefined age with which it has to withstand, and after that, it requires the rehabilitation/repairing to avoid any damage or collapse. The footbridge over Yamuna River in Delhi, India was constructed in 1960 adjacent to Wazirabad barrage, and this is a very important link to East Delhi and West Delhi. Due to heavy traffic plying on this footbridge, in due course of time, the signs of deterioration were visible in the bridge expansion joint assemblies in the deck slab and cantilever portion of footpath slab. There were many potholes also developed in the wearing course. It was also dilapidation observed in many portions of the footpath, and some portion of the footpath slab were collapsed. The cantilever portion of the footbridge was retrofitted with steel jacketing fixing in the main longitudinal girder of the bridge. In this study analysis of the cantilever footbridge slab retrofitted by a steel jacket was carried out to check the deflection and stress limit of the bridge and it is found that the bridge is safe and now Bridge is open for traffic.

Study of noise originating from selected bridge expansion joints

Czasopismo Techniczne » 2019 » Volume 7 » Study of noise originating from selected bridge expansion joints A A A

Monitoring Fatigue Damage of Modular Bridge Expansion Joints Using Piezoceramic Transducers.

Modular bridge expansion joints (MBEJs) are commonly used in bridges and are often subjected to fatigue damages, which necessitate fatigue monitoring of MBEJs to ensure the reliable operation of the bridges. In this paper, a stress wave based active sensing approach using piezoceramic transducers is developed to monitor the fatigue damage of MBEJ. A MBEJ involves mainly center beam, edge beam, support bar, support box, sliding bearing, sliding spring, elastomeric strip seal, full-penetration weld and reinforcing plate. In practice, for a MBEJ, the part that is most prone to fatigue damage is the full-penetration weld between the center beam and the support bar. In this paper, a specimen, which is the full-scale center-beam/support-bar (CB/SB) assembly, was designed and fabricated to facilitate the experimental study. The assembly mainly includes center beam, support bar, reinforcing plate, and full-penetration weld. The lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducer bonded on the support bar was used as the actuator and the PZT transducer mounted on the center beam was as the sensor. Dial indicators were utilized to measure the vertical displacement of the center beam. Two series of tests, including static test, and fatigue test, were performed on the specimen in an alternating fashion. Based on the number of cyclic loading, the experiment was divided into six different stages: 0th cycle (the healthy state), 0.8 million cycles, 1.6 million cycles, 2.4 million cycles, 3.2 million cycles, and 4 million cycles. The signals received by the PZT sensor were analyzed with the help of wavelet packet analysis. In addition, the structure stiffness also was considered as a comparative approach in this paper. Experimental results show that during the fatigue test, the structure stiffness decreases with the number of cycle loading. However, the method can only obtain the fatigue damage impact on the entire structure, and cannot determine the fatigue damage degree of a certain weld. On the other hand, the proposed method can accurately monitor the fatigue damage degree of full-penetration welds. The research results show that the developed piezoceramic enabled active sensing approach can monitor and estimate the fatigue damage in MBEJ in real-time.

Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Deteriorated Bridge Expansion Joints

Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Deteriorated Bridge Expansion Joints

New Representative Temperature for Performance Alarming of Bridge Expansion Joints through Temperature-Displacement Relationship

New Representative Temperature for Performance Alarming of Bridge Expansion Joints through Temperature-Displacement Relationship

Damage Mechanism of Control Springs in Modular Expansion Joints of Long-Span Bridges

Damage Mechanism of Control Springs in Modular Expansion Joints of Long-Span Bridges

Detection of speed and axle configuration of moving vehicles using acoustic emission

Axle detection is a critical monitoring process that needs to be implemented on bridges so that the number of axles of crossing vehicles can be determined. Most bridge design codes specify bridge design loads based on certain trucks configurations. Reviewing and updating bridge design codes depend on an accurate measurement of the nature of the loads being transported across bridges. Measurement of axle loads and configuration of trucks is also essential for bridge load regulation and enforcement. In this paper, a new method is proposed for the accurate detection of velocity, number of axles, and configuration of moving vehicles on bridges. The proposed method uses the acoustic signals emitted when the tires of moving vehicles hit bridge expansion joints and was tested on a bridge in Morris, Manitoba, Canada. It was discovered that the proposed method accurately predicts the velocity, number of axles, and configuration of moving vehicles on bridges.

Selection, Maintenance and Acoustic Diagnostics of Expansion Joints in Bridges Located in Areas with Ground Deformations

Abstract In the paper are presented general rules of the assortment of expansion joints in bridges located in areas being under the mining impacts. The maintenance problems associated with ground deformations are also mentioned. The special attention is given to the noise emitted by expansion joint devices. A legal status in the protection from noise and factors affecting this noise are discussed.

Compression Set in Closed-Cell Foam Bridge Expansion Joints

Compression Set in Closed-Cell Foam Bridge Expansion Joints

Bridge Expansion Joint in Road Transition Curve: Effects Assessment on Heavy Vehicles

Properly-designed road surfaces provide a durable surface on which traffic can pass smoothly and safely. In fact, the main causes that determine the structural decay of the pavement and its parts are the traffic loads. These repeated actions can create undesirable unevennesses on the road surface, which induce vertical accelerations on vehicles, up to hindering contact between pavement and tire, with dangerous consequences on traffic safety. The dynamic actions transmitted by the vehicles depend on these irregularities: often, a bridge expansion joint (BEJ), introducing a necessary discontinuity between different materials, determines from the beginning a geometric irregularity in the running surface. Besides, some structural conditions could emphasize the problem (e.g., local cracking due to the settlement of the subgrade near the abutment or the discontinuity of stiffness due to the presence of different materials). When the BEJ is located in a transition curve, an inevitable vertical irregularity between road and joint can reach values of some centimeters, with serious consequences for the road safety. This paper deals with the analysis of a case study of a BEJ. Several test surveys were performed in order to fully characterize the effects on both vehicles and pavement. The three-dimensional representation of the pavement surface and the acceleration measurements on a heavy test vehicle were performed to analyze the joint behavior under traffic. Finally, a finite element model was implemented to evaluate the stress contribution on vehicle components induced by the vertical irregularities.

Fatigue life of the bolted yoke connection in single support beam (SSB) modular bridge expansion joints

The objective of this article is to demonstrate a comprehensive procedure for the estimation of the fatigue life of the component centre-beam-to-support-beam (CB/SB) bolted yoke connection. In this procedure, all the aspects are included such as fatigue vehicle loading, cycles per truck passage, lifetime average daily truck volume, fatigue classification of the detail and determination of fatigue infinite life. A typical single support beam (SSB) steel modular beam expansion joint (MBEJ) was modelled as 3D space frame. Moreover, three F.E. sub-models were created for the simulation of the (CB/SB) bolted yoke connection with preloaded bolts M16, M20 and M22 respectively. The Fatigue Load Model 2 (FLM2), recommended in EN 1991-2:4.6.4 for infinite fatigue life was chosen for the fatigue verification of the bolted yoke connection detail, assumed to be travelling at 90 km/h over the expansion joint. The 3D space frame was analysed by using Time-history dynamic analysis and thereafter, the calculated outputs were introduced in the F.E. sub-models. From the analysis of the sub-models the stress ranges were obtained and the fatigue evaluation of the yoke joint was performed. The investigation shown that poor detailing at the connection between the centre-beam-to-support-beam (CB/SB) bolted yoke connection is susceptible with reference to fatigue. Finally, important conclusions were extracted for both the behaviour of the entire modular joint and the fatigue life of the bolted yoke detail.

Experimental Study on the Tension and Compression Performance of Modified Asphalt Bridge Expansion Joints

Under the comprehensive influences of the overall deformation of the whole bridge structure, the repeated moving vehicle and temperature loading, the bridge expansion joint was the weak part of bridge structure. The paper chose a new type of modified asphalt binder to test the elastic recovery performance of the modified asphalt binder under different temperatures. Meanwhile the cycle Marshall stability test and direct tensile test of modified asphalt mixture were conducted. Then, the effects of different temperature conditions on the performance of the modified asphalt binder and the asphalt mixture were analyzed to explain its performance mechanism. The results indicated that: (1) The performance recovery of the special cementing material was affected by temperature. The recovery rate gradually increased with the increasing of temperature. The recovery performance showed some “Time-Temperature” characteristics. (2) Affected by the amount of Oil-stone ratio (33.3%) and the single particle size coarse aggregate, the modified asphalt mixture of the suspended structure type had good recovery performance under all test temperature conditions. (3) The tensile elongation rate of the asphalt mixture was large under the high temperature, and the mixture had a good ability to adapt to the flexible deformation. The research results provided that the modified asphalt binder could be used as the bridge expansion joint material.

Dynamic Amplification of Bridge-Expansion-Joints considering Roughness induced Vehicle Vibrations

The response of bridge expansion joints to the transient impact induced by crossing vehicles always represent the dynamic reaction of the former to the dynamic wheel contact forces at that particular moment. Separating the dynamic components in the vertical wheel contact forces, the dynamic amplification of the bridge expansion joints response, which is dominated by the driving velocity of the vehicle, its crossing position in lateral direction, the dynamic behavior of the expansion joint itself and most importantly by the interaction between the vehicle tire and the expansion joint’s lamellas can be discussed. Due to the random distribution of the roughness amplitudes a stochastic characterization of the vehicle vibrations is necessary. In addition to the classical frequency approach based on complex transfer matrices completely describing the dynamic behavior of the vehicles and spectral density matrices characterizing the pavement roughness, the numerically efficient covariance analysis is applied. Therefore the spectral characteristics of the roughness amplitudes, which are described on the basis of multi-correlated random processes, are considered by introducing shaping filters in combination with a state space augmentation. The dynamic behavior of the considered bridge expansion joint is dominated by the properties of the discrete elastomeric spring elements. Hence a a non-proportional damping approach has to be applied to analyze the three dimensional finite element model of the structure using a modal superposition.

Study on characteristics of low-frequency sound generated by road roughness in vicinity of expansion joints of highway bridges

Study on characteristics of low-frequency sound generated by road roughness in vicinity of expansion joints of highway bridges

Elastomeric Concrete Plug Joints: A New Durable Bridge Expansion Joint Design

Expansion joints are important components of bridges that accommodate the movements between deck spans that result from thermal loads, traffic loads, and other environmental factors. Experience shows that joints undergo premature deterioration on a regular basis, which leads to unexpected problems caused by leakage of water and other corrosive chemicals over the components of the superstructure and substructure, which in turn leads to premature deterioration of those components. The Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) has spent millions of dollars over more than 50 years for repair and replacement of joints. Several types of closed joints have been developed and installed in the past three decades to combat this problem. Jointless details at piers and abutments have also been developed and installed in the past three decades to eliminate the need for joints and the associated deterioration. However, the issue persists. The Virginia DOT’s Structure and Bridge Division has developed a new design for a flexible joint system with bonded and debonded zones. An elastomeric concrete material acts as the load-bearing surface as well as the component that allows free expansion and contraction. This joint system has been installed in selected pilot bridges on secondary roads for observation. The performance of this joint system and the challenges faced in its development are discussed.

复杂环境下桥梁伸缩缝动力学研究现状

本文介绍了桥梁伸缩缝的重要性及发展状况。详细归纳了复杂物理环境下桥梁伸缩缝的冲击振动研究现状，包括国内外伸缩缝的研究现状、大位移伸缩缝的动力学分析、伸缩缝的减振和噪声控制以及伸缩缝抗震分析四个方面。通过分析，本文总结了现阶段研究的不足，并提出了对未来研究的展望。 This paper discusses the importance and development status of the bridge expansion joint. The impact vibration research status of bridge expansion joint under the complicated physical envi-ronment is presented in detail. This includes four aspects: The domestic and foreign research situation of the expansion joint, dynamics analysis of large displacement expansion joint, the vibration reduction and noise control of expansion joint and the seismic analysis of expansion joint. Through analysis, this paper summarizes research deficiencies at this stage of study and proposes the prospect of future research.

Dynamic numerical analysis of single-support modular bridge expansion joints

Severe fatigue and noise problems of modular bridge expansion joints (MBEJs) are often induced by vehicle loads. However, the dynamic characteristics of single-support MBEJs have yet to be further investigated. To better understand the vibration mechanism of single-support MBEJs under vehicle loads, a 3D finite element model of single-support MBEJ with five center beams is built. Successive vehicle loads are given out and the vertical dynamic responses of each center beams are analyzed under the successive loads. Dynamic amplification factors (DAFs) are also calculated along with increasing vehicle velocities from 20 km/h to 120 km/h with an interval 20 km/h. The research reveals the vibration mechanism of the single-support MBEJs considering coupled center beam resonance, which shows that dynamic responses of a given center beam will be influenced by the neighboring center beams due to their rebound after the vehicle wheels depart. Maximal DAF 1.5 appears at 120 km/h on the second center beam. The research results can be utilized for reference in the design, operation and maintenance of singlesupport MBEJs.

Effect of dynamic impact at modular bridge expansion joints on bridge design

To analyze the dynamic impact induced by a heavy vehicle crossing a modular type expansion joint and its effect on the bridge response, a numerical method based on a distributed spring-damper element is presented, in which the contact patch between the tire and the road is considered. The dynamic response of the vehicle and bridge can be obtained by dynamic finite element analysis of the vehicle-bridge system taking into account the bumpy ride of vehicle at the expansion joint. The reduced support to the parts of tire structure over the cavities of the modular expansion joint is considered, and the vertical tire load can be obtained by an iteration procedure. To assess the dynamic impact at the expansion joint on bridge design, the impact factors associated with the vehicle tire loads, and the bearing reactions, shear forces and bending moments of the bridge are evaluated. The multi-gap modular expansion joints leads to lower impact factors than single-gap expansion joints. The effects of dynamic impact at expansion joint on the bearing reactions and shear forces are greater than that on the bending moments of the bridge. Numerical results also show that the impact effects of vehicle axle load and internal forces of the bridge may be higher than those recommended by bridge codes, and they may affect the durability of components in the vicinity.

A case study of interior low-frequency noise from box-shaped bridge girders induced by running trains: Its mechanism, prediction and countermeasures

A side effect of high-speed railway and urban rail transit systems is the associated vibration and noise. Since the use of concrete viaducts is predominant in railway construction due to scarce land resources, low-frequency (20–200Hz) structure-radiated noise from concrete bridges is a principal concern. Although it is the most commonly used bridge type, the mechanism of noise emission from box-shaped bridge girders when subjected to impact forces from moving trains, which sounds like beating a drum, has not been well studied. In this study, a field measurement was first made on a simply-supported box-shaped bridge to record the acceleration of the slabs and the associated sound pressures induced by running trains. These data indicated that a significant beat-wave noise occurred in the box-shaped cavity when the train speed was around 340km/h, which arose from the interference between two sound waves of 75.0Hz and 78.8Hz. The noise leakage from the bridge expansion joint was serious and resulted in obvious noise pollution near the bridge once the beat-wave noise was generated in the cavity. The dominant frequency of the interior noise at 75.0Hz was confirmed from the spectrum of the data and the modal analysis results, and originated from the peak vibration of the top slab due to resonance and the first-order vertical acoustic mode, which led to cavity resonance, amplifying the corresponding noise. The three-dimensional acoustic modes and local vibration modes of the slab were calculated by using the finite element method. A simplified vehicle–track–bridge coupling vibration model was then developed to calculate the wheel–rail interaction force in a frequency range of 20–200Hz. Numerical simulations using the boundary element method confirmed the cavity resonance effect and the numerical results agreed well with the data. Based on the calibrated numerical model, three noise reduction measures, i.e., adding a horizontal baffle in the interior cavity, narrowing the width of top slab by reducing the inclination angle of the webs, and using a softer fastener on the track, were found to be effective and practical for reducing the noise generated by high-speed trains.

Modern Bridge Bearings and Expansion Joints for Road Bridges

Introduced in 2010 EN 1337 “Structural bearings” is nowadays a basic act intention of which is providing a good manufacturing quality and operation of modern bridge bearings. This act prepared during 17 years is a recapitulation of European experiences on this field. It was the first harmonized European Standard on construction products. Most of Standard parts are innovative as compared with old national ones. As bridge expansion gaps form discontinuities in pavement they cause dynamic and impact additional loads. It has influence on durability and reliability of bridge expansion joints which are often complex mechanical structures. Their quality depends on requirements fulfillment given in R&BRI Technical Approvals as well as in ETAG 032 Guideline. These requirements refer not only to assembly and installation precision of expansion joints but also to their fatigue resistance verification. Nonetheless, not only in Poland, more and more one can observe their damages and failures. Most of failures are related to the shape of surface noise reducing elements and method of their fastening.