Oregon State University
Meeting the Demands of Modern Grade Separation and Earth Retention: Characterization of Frictional Interference in Closely-Spaced Reinforcements in MSE Walls
PI: Armin Stuedlein
Dates: 03/01/2012 – 11/01/2013
Final Project Report: PacTrans-24-OSU-Stuedlein
The use of reinforced earth in the United States began in 1972; since then, Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls have grown in popularity, and can be found along nearly every state and interstate highway corridor. Due to their inherent flexibility, MSE walls are being constructed to greater heights, in nonlinear geometries, with multiple tiers and with very high reinforcement spacing. For example, the four-tier West MSE wall at Sea-Tac International airport was recently constructed to 46 m height, and is now the tallest wall in the Western Hemisphere. Read More
SSI Bridge: Evaluation of Soil-Structure Interaction Effects of PNW Bridges
PIs: Andre Barbosa, Ben Mason (OSU)
Dates: 03/01/2012 – 11/01/2013
Final Project Report: PacTrans-8-OSU-Mason
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is prone to large subduction zone earthquakes, large basin-and-range earthquakes, and smaller, shallow, crustal earthquakes. Each of these different types of creates a different type of demand on a soil-bridge system. A subduction zone event, for instance, creates large magnitude, long-duration and long-period events that can damage long, flexible bridges. A shallow, crustal event, when it occurs near a bridge, can create an intense velocity pulse that can damage shorter, more brittle bridges. In addition to the challenges presented by considering multiple earthquake scenarios, the soil underlying bridge columns and abutments can significantly affect the seismic response of the overlying bridge superstructure. To truly examine the seismic performance of a bridge, one must consider soil-structure interaction.
Use of Blended Synthetic Fibers to Reduce Cracking Risk in High Performance Concrete
PI: Jason Ideker (OSU)
Dates: 03/01/2012 – 11/01/2013
Final Project Report: PacTrans-11-OSU-Ideker
Early-age bridge deck cracking is a major concern for many DOTs throughout the United States and specifically those in the Pacific Northwest. Cracking within the first months of a bridge deck’s lifespan severely hinders its long-term performance and durability, ultimately reducing the sustainability of this crucial piece of transportation infrastructure. Increased maintenance costs, driver interruptions and possible damage to bridge structure are also a result.
Rendering of Dense, Point Cloud Data in a High Fidelity Driving Simulator
PIs: David Hurwitz, Michael Olsen (OSU)
Dates: 03/01/2012 – 11/01/2013
Final Project Report: PacTrans-10-OSU-Hurwitz
This project will develop tools to advance the use of 3D design technologies by departments of transportation. A two-dimensional (2D), paper-based methodology for infrastructure design is currently the most prevalent approach implemented by DOTs across the country. This method traditionally involves the coordination of a series of separate plan (horizontal) and profile (vertical) layouts. Unfortunately, 2D design is inherently limited for effective assessment of alternative designs, which is critical for evaluating optimal design outcomes. 2D infrastructure design also has the potential to emphasize the mobility of vehicular throughput to the detriment of alternative modes of transport. Oh and Stuerzlinger (2004) show an example of how a 3D, digital environment enables even novice users to create structurally complex scenes in the initial conceptual stage of design.
