Research Project

Development of Acceptable Live Load Deflection Criteria for Various Timber Superstructure and Deck Types

Researcher(s)

Principal investigator: Terry Wipf, 515-294-9501, tjwipf@iastate.edu (project list)

Co-principal investigators:

Doug Wood, 515-294-3768, dwoody@iastate.edu (project list)
Brent Phares, 515-294-5879, bphares@iastate.edu (project list)

Student researcher: Travis Hosteng

Project status

Completed

Start date: 01/01/02
End date: 12/31/04

Sponsor(s)/partner(s)

Sponsor(s):USDA Forest Service

About the research

Abstract: Deflection criteria typically used in the design of highway bridges are currently based on arbitrary limits. Although the need for having deflection limits is undisputed, there exists a need for live load defection criteria for timber superstructures and decks based on actual structural behavior, performance of wearing surfaces, and user perception. In addition, current deflection limits are based solely on total deflection. However, past experience has shown that differential deflection may be a more important parameter. As a result, a need exists for research related to the importance of and allowable limits for differential deflections as they relate to the long-term performance of timber bridges.

Project features include the following: 1)Completion of a survey of state and local bridge owners on the use of live load deflection criteria. 2) Field testing and in-depth condition assessment of 20-30 timber bridges with varying superstructure and deck types. 3)Analytical modeling and extrapolation of timber bridges for a sensitivity analysis. 4) Development of deflection criteria (e.g., total, differential) based on results of field testing and analytical modeling.

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.