S-BRITE Research Projects

In this webinar, S-BRITE Director Rob Connor discusses the proposed project of a full-scale fracture simulation test on the Fort Pierre Bridge in South Dakota to obtain benchmarking data for FC plate girder systems.

To determine the current performance of inspectors with the industry's present standards of training, a comprehensive Probability of Detection (POD) study is underway to determine the likelihood of inspectors finding cracks, surface corrosion and weld defects of various sizes on a bridge structure. This study will test multiple inspectors’ abilities to identify different defects under various environmental conditions on a bridge structure. The study will provide state transportation agencies, as well as private inspection agencies, invaluable information regarding typical inspector performance. The outcomes will be used to establish procedures to improve inspection reliability, and develop inspector performance-based certification criteria and procedures.

The objective of this research is to quantify the redundancy possessed by built-up steel members (bolted or riveted). Typically, built-up members will not 'fail' if one of the components fails (whether through fatigue or fracture). However, there is very little experimental data quantifying the remaining fatigue life and strength of a member in which one of the components has failed.

Researchers at the S-BRITE Center worked with the Illinois DOT to test a retrofit intended to mitigate further distortion-induced fatigue on a multi-girder bridge near Cairo, IL.

Diagnostic field testing of rural bridges can improve the accuracy of bridge load ratings. Researchers at the S-BRITE Center have partnered with the Indiana Soybean Alliance to explore existing technology that could be leveraged by bridge owners to help ensure rural bridges remain safe and functional.

Researchers at the S-BRITE Center worked with the Indiana Southern Railroad to explore live load stress conditions generated by train traffic over Bridge 17.44 in Central Indiana.

Researchers from Purdue University's S-BRITE Center performed structural monitoring on a utility pole. No formal research had been reported on the effects of wind gusts on sign/solar panel structures near railroad tracks. Thus, this study targeted the structural response of the pole to passing railroad engines and cars, as well as natural wind loads.

Anticipating super-loads to be crossing the US-41 White River Bridge, INDOT commissioned S-BRITE Center researchers to assess the structure’s response to the heavy loads. Remote, long-term monitoring was used to collect data, which also included photographs of passing trucks whose weight triggered the system to record a picture.

In-service inspection of the Sherman Minton Bridge in southern Indiana identified cracking in the steel at several locations on the fracture-critical tie girders. Dr. Robert Connor led a group of researchers from Purdue University's S-BRITE Center in completing a Fitness for Service (FFS) evaluation of the tie girder welds on the bridge, as well as a robust, long-term, remote monitoring program where member stress, pier tilt, wind speed and direction, and ambient and steel temperature data were collected over several months.

The Virginia Ave Bridge over I-65 SB was selected for monitoring because it frequently fell victim to truck impacts owing to its relatively low clearance. S-BRITE Center researchers deployed a data acquisition system that included a datalogger, HD digital video camera, accelerometer, and cellular communications, capturing impact footage and sending immediate alerts to INDOT personnel.

This research project investigated cyclical, wind-induced loads on high-mast light towers (HMLTs). Field and laboratory tests were performed to investigate the effects of wind gusts (i.e., buffeting), vortex shedding, and associated dynamic oscillations.

Recent failures of high-mast lighting towers in several states have raised questions as to the robustness and safety of the existing inventory of similar structures. Failure of these structures is very critical as they are typically located adjacent to Interstates or other high-speed highways.