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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1992

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Civil Engineering

First Advisor

Arden Sigl

Abstract

In this investigation, the items of concern included a series of questions to be considered as a part of the study. The questions to be addressed are: 1) Are South Dakota's bridges experiencing the same load and impact patterns as other bridges that have been studied? 2) Since larger loads and multiple trailers are allowed in South Dakota, should the bridges be designed for these larger loads? 3) What can be done about impact loads to reduce damage to the bridge? Increase the design impact factor? Change the truck suspension design requirements? 4) Should all the bridges be replaced or only the high use bridges and then post the rest for load and speed limits (cost of replacement vs. usability)? 5) With increased concrete and steel strength, leave current design methods alone and accept the fact that the infrastructure will need rebuilding every 30 to 40 years? In a study such as this there are indeed many more questions that can be addressed, especially those pertaining to good economics and the spending of citizen's tax dollars. However, to thoroughly investigate bridge integrity, this study has been narrowed to the above questions as a guide to data acquisition. The data collected, vehicle type, vehicle speed, and maximum and minimum strain readings, will be used in the theoretical methods described in Chapter 2. From this analysis, impact, traffic patterns, typical vehicle speeds, and static loadings will be used to address the above questions in an effort to make sound engineering judgements and recommendations for future bridge design in South Dakota.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Concrete bridges -- South Dakota -- Testing
Strains and stresses -- Analysis

Format

application/pdf

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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