Comparison between Shape Memory Alloy Seismic Restrainers and Other Bridge Retrofit Devices

Strong earthquakes can result in large longitudinal displacements in multiple-frame bridges. This could lead to excessive displacements/openings at the intermediate joints. Bridges with small seat widths are vulnerable to the unseating of their superstructure. Seismic steel restrainers are currently used to limit the joint openings in bridges. However, past earthquakes have shown that restrainer cables have limitations in regards to preventing unseating in bridges. Other devices have been proposed to limit joint displacements, including metallic dampers, viscoelastic dampers, and shape memory alloys (SMAs), which are known for their ability to recover their original shape after being deformed. A sensitivity study and a case study are conducted using computer simulations to compare the effectiveness of SMA retrofit devices with other devices. The results show that the effectiveness of the devices is a function of the characteristics of the bridge frames and the ground motion characteristics. In all cases, the steel restrainer cables were the least effective in limiting joint displacements. The SMA devices have the additional benefit of significantly limiting the residual joint displacement in bridges.     

Active Confinement of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns Using Shape Memory Alloys

This paper presents experimental and analytical work conducted to explore the feasibility of using an innovative technique for seismic retrofitting of RC bridge columns using shape memory alloys (SMAs) spirals. The high recovery stress associated with the shape recovery of SMAs is being sought in this study as an easy and reliable method to apply external active confining pressure on RC bridge columns to improve their ductility. Uniaxial compression tests of concrete cylinders confined with SMA spirals show a significant improvement in the concrete strength and ductility even under small confining pressure. The experimental results are used to calibrate the concrete constitutive model used in the analytical study. Analytical models of bridge columns retrofitted with SMA spirals and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets are studied under displacement-controlled cyclic loading and a suite of strong earthquake records. The analytical results proves the superiority of the proposed technique using SMA spirals to CFRP sheets in terms of enhancing the strength and effective stiffness and reducing the concrete damage and residual drifts of retrofitted columns.     

Sensitivity of Seismic Applications to Different Shape Memory Alloy Models

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are known for their superelastic properties, which have been exploited in numerous applications in the biomedical, aerospace, and commercial fields. More recently, these materials have been evaluated for applications in the area of earthquake engineering. One key question that arises when using these materials is the appropriate constitutive material model to use to capture the highly nonlinear behavior of SMAs. This paper explores the effect of using different SMA constitutive models on the resulting response of systems using SMAs. A sensitivity analysis is conducted by using three SMA models with various levels of complexity. The models are implemented in a single-degree-of-freedom system and subjected to three groups of earthquake records with various characteristics. Considering a more accurate trend in modeling incomplete cycles in SMAs has little impact on the structural response. The strength degradation and residual deformation seem to be of more importance than the sublooping behavior. The response is more sensitive to the cyclic effects in the case of records with long durations or large intensities.     

Orthogonal Effects in Seismic Analysis of Skewed Bridges

In seismic analysis of bridges, the designer chooses the direction of the applied earthquake forces arbitrarily. This paper investigates the effects of seismic force direction on the responses of slab-girder skewed bridges in response spectrum and time history linear dynamic analyses. The combination rules for orthogonal earthquake effects, such as the 100/30, 100/40?percentage rules and the SRSS method are also examined. It is concluded that either the SRSS or the 100/40?percentage rule in the skew direction should be used in the response spectrum analysis of skewed bridges. For time history analysis none of the combination rules provide conservative results. In this case, the application of paired acceleration time histories in several angular directions is recommended.     

Rating and Reliability of Existing Bridges in a Network

Currently, the load rating is the method used by State DOTs for evaluating the safety and serviceability of existing bridges in the United States. In general, load rating of a bridge is evaluated when a maintenance, improvement work, change in strength of members, or addition of dead load alters the condition or capacity of the structure. The AASHTO LRFD specifications provide code provisions for prescribing an acceptable and uniform safety level for the design of bridge components. Once a bridge is designed and placed in service, the AASHTO Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges provides provisions for determination of the safety and serviceability of existing bridge components. Rating for the bridge system is taken as the minimum of the component ratings. If viewed from a broad perspective, methods used in the state-of-the-practice condition evaluation of bridges at discrete time intervals and in the state-of-the-art probability-based life prediction share common goals and principles. This paper briefly describes a study conducted on the rating and system reliability-based lifetime evaluation of a number of existing bridges within a bridge network, including prestressed concrete, reinforced concrete, steel rolled beam, and steel plate girder bridges. The approach is explained using a representative prestressed concrete girder bridge. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between rating and reliability results in order to relate the developed approach to current practice in bridge rating and evaluation. The results presented provide a sound basis for further improvement of bridge management systems based on system performance requirements.     

Design and Evaluation of Experimental Bridges in Tennessee

This paper describes the design and evaluates the adequacy of the moment connection of an experimental two-span highway bridge designed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The Massman Drive Bridge is an experimental design that unifies the construction economy of simple span bridges and the structural economy of continuous span bridges. The experimental connection, consisting of cover plates and kicker wedge plates, is used to connect the two adjoining girders over the center pier. As a result, the bridge is designed to function as a continuous bridge during the deck pour and behave compositely with the reinforced concrete deck under the live load. After completing a moment comparison analysis, it is concluded that the Massman Drive Bridge indeed acts as continuous over the pier as it was designed.     

Seismic Response of Isolated Bridges

The seismic response of bridges seismically isolated by lead-rubber bearings (L-RB) to bidirectional earthquake excitation (i.e., two horizontal components) is presented in this paper. The force-deformation behavior of L-RB is considered as bilinear, and the interaction between the restoring forces in two orthogonal horizontal directions is duly considered in the response analysis. The specific purpose of the study is to assess the effects of seismic isolation on the peak response of the bridges, and to investigate the effects of the bidirectional interaction of restoring forces of isolation bearings. The seismic response of the lumped mass model of continuous span isolated bridges is obtained by solving the governing equations of motion in the incremental form using an iterative step-by-step method. To study the effectiveness of L-RB, the seismic response of isolated bridges is compared with the response of corresponding nonisolated bridges (i.e., bridges without isolation devices). A comparison of the response of the isolated bridges obtained by considering and ignoring the bidirectional interaction of bearing forces is made under important parametric variation. The important parameters included are the flexibility of the bridge piers and the stiffness and yield strength of the L-RB. The results show that the bidirectional interaction of the restoring forces of the L-RB has considerable effects on the seismic response of the isolated bridges. If these interaction effects are ignored, then the peak bearing displacements are underestimated, which can be crucial from the design point of view.     

Potential Construction Applications for Thermoset Composite Scrap Material

Thermoset composites are types of advanced plastics that perform well in high temperatures and pressures, can achieve tensile strengths similar to carbon steel, and have suitable electrical resistance properties. Because of these characteristics, engineers are increasing their use in the designs of both mechanical and electrical products, thus increasing the amount of thermoset scrap material sent to landfill sites (estimated to be approximately 1.2 billion kg per year (920,000 t). As a way to reduce the amount of this scrap material taken to landfill sites, possible construction applications are being investigated. Using American Society of Testing and Materials standards, a better understanding of its material properties are being explored, such as strength, density, uniformity, chemical resistance, and impact resistance. One potential application, developed and tested for its suitability as a construction material, was as a flooring substitute for traditional ceramic tile.     

Phase Transformation Behaviors and Effects of Terbium in Polycrystalline Ni-Mn-Ga Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys

The phase transformation behaviors of two kinds of magnetic shape memory alloys NisoMn25 x Ga25-x and Ni50 Mn29Ga21-x Tbx were studied. When the composition of Ni in these alloys was constant, increasing Mn and reducing Ga contents make martensitic transformation temperatures rise obviously. Simultaneously, thermal hysteresis of phase transformation reduce but Curie temperature una|ters. When terbium was added, phase transformation temperature went up further and Curie temperature kept constant. The alloys still show strong ferromagnetism and properties of thermoelastic martensite phase transformation.     

Seismic Response of Multiple Span Steel Bridges in Central and Southeastern United States. II: Retrofitted

Part I of this two-part paper evaluated the seismic response of typical multispan simply supported (MSSS) and multispan continuous steel girder bridges in the central and southeastern United States. The results showed that the bridges were vulnerable to damage resulting from impact between decks, and large ductility demands on nonductile columns. Furthermore, fixed and expansion bearings were likely to fail during strong ground motion. In this paper, several retrofit measures to improve the seismic performance of typical multispan simply supported and multispan continuous steel girder bridges are evaluated, including the use of elastomeric bearings, lead-rubber bearings, and restrainer cables. It is determined that lead-rubber bearings are the most effective retrofit measure for reducing the seismic vulnerability of typical bridges. While isolation provided by elastomeric bearings limits the forces into the columns, the added flexibility results in pounding between decks in the MSSS steel girder bridges. Restrainer cables, which are becoming a common retrofit measure, are effective in reducing the hinge opening in MSSS bridges with steel bearings. However, when used with elastomeric bearings, the restrainer cables negate the isolation effect of the bearings.     

Direct Numerical Determination of the Asymptotic Cyclic Behavior of Pseudoelastic Shape Memory Structures

The design of shape memory alloys (SMAs) structures against fatigue requires the computation of the stabilized mechanical state. The classical computation method, based on a plasticity-like algorithm, requires a step-by-step calculation, leading to prohibitive computation time to reach this stabilized state. To overcome this issue, we propose to extend the direct cyclic method (DCM), for elastoplastic structures, for use with the Zaki-Moumni (ZM) model for SMAs. DCM is a large time increment method in which a periodicity condition is enforced on the state variables. Comparison with the classical incremental approach shows considerable reduction in computation time.     

Wavelet-Hybrid Feedback Linear Mean Squared Algorithm for Robust Control of Cable-Stayed Bridges

Cable-stayed bridges are flexible structures, and control of their vibrations is an important consideration and a challenging problem. In this paper, the wavelet-hybrid feedback least mean squared algorithm recently developed by the writers is used for vibration control of cable-stayed bridges under various seismic excitations. The effectiveness of the algorithm is investigated through numerical simulation using a benchmark control problem created based on an actual semifan-type cable-stayed bridge design. The performance of the algorithm is compared with that of a sample linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller using three different earthquake records: the El Centro (California, 1940), Mexico City (Mexico, 1985), and Gebze (Turkey, 1999) earthquakes. Simulation results demonstrate that the new algorithm is consistently more effective than the sample LQG controller for all three earthquake records. Additional numerical simulations are performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the new control algorithm. It is concluded that the algorithm is robust against the uncertainties existing in modeling structures.     

Performance Evaluation of Short Span Reinforced Concrete Arch Bridges

In this paper, the static and seismic performance of some short span reinforced concrete arch bridges, before and after strengthening interventions, are evaluated. To verify whether retrofit strategies for the considered arch bridges, which were designed for resisting under permanent and service actions, were adequate for earthquake resistance, seismic analyses of the as-built model of the structures have been undertaken. To account for multiple input effects on arches, induced by out-of-phase motions at foundation levels as well as different boundary conditions at structural supports, the seismic response of the structures under correlated horizontal and vertical multiple excitations is calculated. The effects on arch bridges of conventionally used uniform input and partially correlated multiple inputs with phase shifts are compared. In all cases, the results are discussed with particular reference to the influence of structural configuration, secondary systems, cross-section thickness of the arch, and retrofit interventions.     

Seismic Response of Multiple Span Steel Bridges in Central and Southeastern United States. I: As Built

The seismic response of typical multispan simply supported (MSSS) and multispan continuous steel girder bridges in the central and southeastern United States is evaluated. Nonlinear time history analyses are conducted using synthetic ground motion for three cities for 475 and 2,475-year return period earthquakes (10 and 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years). The results indicate that the seismic response for the 475-year return period earthquake would lead to an essentially linear response in typical bridges. However, the seismic response for a 2,475-year return period earthquake resulted in significant demands on nonductile columns, fixed and expansion bearings, and abutments. In particular, pounding between decks in the MSSS bridge would result in significant damage to steel bearings and would lead to the toppling of rocker bearings, which may result in unseating of the bridge deck.     

Ni-Ti形状记忆合金中的相变

根据作者的工作、并结合新近文献,对近等原子Ni-Ti合金中的相变作了系统的综述,包括:相变的顺序,无公度相变,R相变,马氏体相变,合金成分及热循环对相变临界温度的影响,逆相变及沉淀。     

磁性形状记忆合金的研究现状及发展

磁性形状记忆合金是一种新发展起来的形状记忆材料，合金具有大恢复应变、大输出应力、高响应频率和可精确控制的综合特性，有望成为压电陶瓷和磁致伸缩材料之后的新一代驱动与传感材料。系统阐述了近年来磁性形状记忆合金的研究进展，并着重介绍了目前研究最多的Ni-Mn-Ga合金的结构、相变、形状记忆效应、制备方法及其在应用方面的一些新的研究成果，并提出了磁性形状记忆合金需要深入研究的问题及其发展方向。     

Rapid Ranking Procedures for Gusset Plate Connections in Existing Steel Truss Bridges

Evaluation and rating of steel truss bridge connections has become imperative for many transportation agencies after the recent collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis. Detailed engineering capacity calculations of gusset plate connections are time consuming and thus expensive. Large numbers of connections are in the national inventory and must be evaluated. A screening process and a simplified rapid screening process are proposed for ranking gusset plate connections in steel truss bridges to help bridge engineers identify possible vulnerable connections and aid field inspections. The procedures consider member demands relative to the connection geometric proportions for four different parameters: fasteners, plate tension, plate compression, and overall horizontal shear. The methods are demonstrated for two bridges, including the collapsed I35W Bridge, and clearly identify connections U10 and L11 as vulnerable for three of the four parameter types (fasteners were not identified as vulnerable for these connections). The ranking approach is not proposed as a substitute for thorough, detailed, and expert assessment of the connections, but rather allows rating engineers to more quickly prioritize detailed evaluations in an ordered systematic way from the most likely vulnerable connections to the least likely vulnerable connections. This technique may be considered analogous to performing screening tests on a new patient to indicate the likely medical condition prior to conducting more sophisticated and costly investigations.