Polyurethane Foam Infill for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bridge Deck Panels

The objective of the research was to develop, test, and evaluate fiber-reinforced, polyurethane (PU) foams to replace the costly honeycomb construction currently used to manufacture FRP bridge deck panels. Initially, the effort focused on developing an FRP sandwich panel to replace the precast, stay-in-place forms currently used to construct reinforced concrete bridge decks. However, during the course of the project, the research effort expanded to include full-depth bridge deck panels as well. This report documents the results of this study.

Title:  Polyurethane Foam Infill for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bridge Deck Panels

Published: June 2014

Report number: cmr14-016

Project number: TRyy1203

Author(s): Jeffery S. Volz (Principal Investigator), K. Chandrashekhara (Co-Principal Investigator), Victor Birman (Co-Principal Investigator), Stephen Hawkins, Matthew Hopkins, Zhen Huo, Mohaned Mohamed, and Hesham Tuwair

Performing organization: Missouri University of Science and Technology

Evaluation of Pile Load Tests for Use in Missouri LRFD Guidelines

This research studied the use of pile load tests for the development of resistance factors in the LRFD design specifications currently adopted by the Missouri DOT. Tthree bridge sites were identified to conduct a pile load test in conjunction with the normal bridge contracting activities. This allowed side-by-side comparisons with production piles and the impact to the design. The pile load tests yielded high resolution data for both the load capacity and load transfer distributions. All the static and dynamic pile load tests produced capacities higher than the ones estimated by the design engineers. The resistance factors back calculated based on the pile load test data generated higher resistance factors than the 0.65 suggested by AASHTO LRFD specifications. Pile load tests data from other sources in Missouri and the neighboring states were also collected and compiled for future use by the Missouri DOT.

 

Title: Evaluation of Pile Load Tests for Use in Missouri LRFD Guidelines
Published: June 2014
Report number: cmr 14-015
Project number: TRyy1226
Author: Ronaldo Luna

Performing organization: Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Links to reports:
Final Report (pdf, 3.7 MB, 98 pages)
Detailed listing of report and appendices A-E

Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) for Infrastructure Elements

The objective of this research was to determine the implications of using RCA in the production of new concrete. Specifically, the study evaluated the fresh and hardened properties, durability, and structural behavior of concrete containing RCA and, based on these results, developed guidelines on its use in infrastructure elements for MoDOT.

The report consists of a summary report with appendices comprising five detailed technical reports. Taken together, these reports document the background, detailed approaches, experimental procedures and processes, results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study.

 
Title: Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) for Infrastructure Elements
Published: June 2014
Report number: cmr 14-014
Project number: TRyy1317
Author(s): Jeffery S. Volz (principal investigator), Kamal H. Khayat (co-principal investigator), Mahdi Arezoumandi, Jonathan Drury, Seyedhamed Sadati, Adam Smith, and Amanda Steele
Performing organization: Missouri University of Science and Technology

Link to folder with report and appendices
Links to individual reports:
Final Summary Report (911 kB, 43 pages)
Appendix A-Preliminary Mix Development (1.3 MB, 48 pages)
Appendix B-Mechanical and Durability Properties of RCA Concrete (2.7 MB, 99 pages)
Appendix C-Bond Behavior of Mild Reinforcing Steel in RCA Concrete (5.3 MB, 127 pages)
Appendix D-Shear Behavior of RCA Concrete (2.6 MB, 115 pages)
Appendix E-Flexural Behavior of RCA Concrete (1.54 MB, 41 pages)

Work Zone Safety: Physical and Behavioral Barriers in Accident Prevention

This report discusses the usefulness of creating a work zone traffic safety culture as a methodology to improve the overall safety of both work zone personnel and the traveling public in Missouri.  As part of this research, the existing MoDOT Work Zone Rating Survey was analyzed and augmented to collect public perception of work zone safety, historical data on work zone crashes were evaluated to identify trends that are particular to, and attributes that are associated with severe crashes were identified.

Title: Work Zone Safety: Physical and Behavioral Barriers in Accident Prevention
Published: May 2014
Report number: cmr 14-013
Project number: TRyy1312
Author(s): Suzanna Long, Brian K. Smith, Ean H. Ng, and Carlos Sun
Performing organization(s): Missouri University of Science and Technology Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (Long, Smith, Ng) and University of Missouri-Columbia Department of Civil Engineering