Load Testing Deteriorated Spans of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel for Load Rating Recommendations

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dc.contributor.authorReilly, James Josephen
dc.contributor.committeechairHebdon, Matthew H.en
dc.contributor.committeememberKoutromanos, Ioannisen
dc.contributor.committeememberRoberts-Wollmann, Carin L.en
dc.contributor.departmentCivil and Environmental Engineeringen
dc.date.accessioned2017-01-13T09:00:12Zen
dc.date.available2017-01-13T09:00:12Zen
dc.date.issued2017-01-12en
dc.description.abstractThe Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel is one of the oldest prestressed concrete structures in the United States. The 3.5 mile long twin structure includes the world's first underwater tunnel between two man-made islands. Throughout its 60 years in service, the harsh environment along the Virginia coast has taken its toll on the main load carrying girders. Concrete spalling has exposed prestressing strands within the girders allowing corrosion to spread. Some of the more damaged girders have prestressing strands that have completely severed due to the extensive corrosion. The deterioration has caused select girders to fail the necessary load ratings. The structure acts as an evacuation route for the coast and is a main link for the local Norfolk Naval Base and surrounding industry. Because of these constraints, load posting is not a viable option. Live load testing of five spans was performed to investigate the behavior of the damaged spans. Innovative techniques were used during the load test including a wireless system to measure strains. Two different deflection systems were implemented on the spans, which were located about one mile offshore. The deflection data was later compared head to head. From the load test results, live load distribution factors were developed for both damaged and undamaged girders. The data was also used by the local Department of Transportation to validate computer models in an effort to help pass the load rating. Overall, this research was at the forefront of the residual strength of prestressed concrete girders and the testing of in-service bridges.en
dc.description.degreeMaster of Scienceen
dc.format.mediumETDen
dc.identifier.othervt_gsexam:9474en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10919/74302en
dc.publisherVirginia Techen
dc.rightsIn Copyrighten
dc.rights.urihttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/en
dc.subjectDeteriorated Prestressed Concrete Girdersen
dc.subjectLive Load Testen
dc.subjectLive Load Distribution Factorsen
dc.subjectBridge-Tunnelen
dc.subjectOffshore Deflection Measurement Systemen
dc.titleLoad Testing Deteriorated Spans of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel for Load Rating Recommendationsen
dc.typeThesisen
thesis.degree.disciplineCivil Engineeringen
thesis.degree.grantorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universityen
thesis.degree.levelmastersen
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Scienceen

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