Realistic Laboratory Rolling Loading of Bridge Superstructure built using Novel Technologies Combined with Environmental Exposure

桥梁是我们交通网络中必不可少的环节。这些结构的健康状况对经济有重大影响bec的12，000座桥梁，需要改造或更换 该项目旨在建立一个严格的研究框架，以研究移动（滚动）荷载和环境影响下的桥面和主梁。这个概念是高度原创和创新的，因为它密切模拟交通。传统的测试通常是通过“脉动”加载（在同一点反复加载和卸载），但一些研究表明，高估了失效的加载循环次数，这是不保守的。这项研究是由一个大型移动负载模拟器，18米长（第一个也是唯一的加拿大），最近开发和建造使用联邦和省级基金授予申请人和同事。 这些独特的实验将通过使用有限元和使用寿命模型的理论分析来补充。该研究将深入了解脉动和滚动荷载之间的根本差异，就其对桥梁刚度退化，裂缝发展和疲劳寿命的影响而言。将研究各种施工材料和方法的桥面板。将检查滚动载荷和暴露于冻融或盐雾的综合影响。研究了滚动荷载对主梁抗剪强度和荷载横向分布的影响。此外，还将研究伸缩缝和动力效应 拟议的研究旨在创造一个范式转变的方式桥梁进行测试，让一个更强大的理解桥梁的性能。它将有助于建立加拿大作为世界领先的桥梁工程和桥梁管理政策，通过使用丰富的知识和数据收集从这项研究，以修改设计和施工指南桥梁当局，设计师和承包商，以更好地反映桥梁的实际性能。最终，这将导致更有效地利用资源和税款，提高桥梁评级的准确性，并减少旅行和延误时间 在资助期间，5名博士，6名硕士和12名本科生将被培养为未来的工程师，能够以自信和热情将知识从实验室转移到现场。培训涉及批判性思维，解决问题，实践经验，实验室测试，数据分析，计算机建模，技术写作，演示，团队合作以及与行业合作伙伴的网络。申请人的前HQP拥有出色的职业生涯（7人成为教授，拥有一个加拿大研究主席，其余的都被顶级行业雇用，包括Arup-New约克，霍尔索尔和Trans-Canada）

Bridges are essential links in our transportation networks. The health of these structures has a significant impact on economy bec's 12,000 bridges, need retrofitting or replacement This project aims to establish a rigorous framework of research to study bridge decks & girders under moving (rolling) loads and environmental effects. The concept is highly original and innovative as it closely simulates traffic. Traditional testing is usually through 'pulsating' loading (loading & unloading repeatedly at the same spot), but is shown by some studies to overestimate the number of loading cycles to failure, which is not conservative. This research is enabled by a large scale Moving Load Simulator, 18 m long (the first and only in Canada), recently developed & built using federal & provincial funds awarded to the applicant and colleagues. These unique experiments will be complemented by theoretical analysis using finite element & service life models. The research will provide insight into the fundamental differences between pulsating and rolling loads, in terms of their effects on stiffness degradation, crack development & fatigue life of bridges. Bridge decks with various construction materials & methods will be studied. The combined effect of rolling loads & exposure to freeze-thaw or salt spray will be examined. The effect of rolling load on shear strength and lateral load distribution of girders will be studied. Also, expansion joints & dynamic effects will be studied The proposed research seeks to create a paradigm shift in the way bridges are tested to allow for a much more robust understanding of bridge performance. It will help establishing Canada as a world leader in bridge engineering & bridge management policy, by using the wealth of knowledge and data collected from this research to revise design & construction guidelines for bridge authorities, designers & contractors to better reflect actual performance of bridges. Ultimately this will lead to more efficient use of resources & tax dollars, enhanced accuracy of bridge ratings and reduced travel and delay times During the funding period, 5 PhD, 6 MSc & 12 undergrad students will be trained as future engineers capable of transferring knowledge from the lab to the field with confidence and enthusiasm. Training involves critical thinking, problem solving, hands on experience, lab testing, data analysis, computer modeling, technical writing, presenting, team work & networking with industry partners. The applicant's former HQP have had remarkable careers (7 became professors with one Canada Research Chair & the rest were all hired by top industries, including Arup-New York, Halsall & Trans-Canada)