Research Project

Modified Sheet Pile Abutments for Low Volume Bridges (TR-568)

Researcher(s)

Principal investigator: David White, 515-294-1463, djwhite@iastate.edu (project list)

Co-principal investigators:

Wayne Klaiber, 515-294-8763, klaiber@iastate.edu (project list)

Project status

In progress

Start date: 01/01/07
End date: 12/31/09

Sponsor(s)/partner(s)

Sponsor(s):Iowa Department of Transportation

About the research

Research objective: To date there have been few investigations of the substructures in low volume road bridges. Steel sheet piling has potential for providing an economical alternative to concrete bridge abutments, but it needs investigation with regard to vertical and lateral load resistance, construction methods, and performance monitoring.

The objectives of this project are to 1) Develop a design approach for sheet pile bridge abutments for short span, low volume bridges. 2) Formulate an instrumentation and monitoring plan to evaluate performance of sheet pile abutment systems. 3) Understand the cost and construction effort associated with building the sheet pile bridge abutment demonstration project.

2711 S. Loop Drive, Suite 4700, Ames, Iowa 50010-8664
Phone: 515-294-9501 ~ Fax: 515-294-0467
The Bridge Engineering Center is administered by Iowa State University's Institute for Transportation.