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的重要环节。这些结构的健康对经济有重大影响，因为有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大梁。这个概念是高度原创和创新的，因为它紧密地模拟了交通。传统的测试通常是通过“脉动”加载（在同一地点反复加载和卸载），但一些研究表明，过高估计加载循环次数到失效，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（加拿大第一个也是唯一的），最近开发和建造使用联邦和省级基金授予申请人和同事。这些独特的实验将辅以使用有限元和使用寿命模型的理论分析。该研究将深入了解脉动载荷和滚动载荷在桥梁刚度退化、裂纹发展和疲劳寿命方面的根本区别。将研究各种建筑材料和方法的桥面。将检查滚动载荷和冻融或盐雾暴露的综合影响。研究了滚动荷载对梁抗剪强度和横向荷载分布的影响。此外，还将研究伸缩缝和动态效应。拟议的研究旨在创建桥梁测试方式的范式转变，以便对桥梁性能有更深入的了解。它将有助于建立加拿大作为桥梁工程和桥梁管理政策的世界领导者，通过使用从本研究中收集的丰富知识和数据来修改桥梁当局，设计师和承包商的设计和施工指南，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收资金，提高桥梁评级的准确性，减少旅行和延误时间。在资助期间，5名博士，6名硕士和12名本科生将被培训为未来的工程师，能够自信和热情地将知识从实验室转移到现场。培训内容包括批判性思维、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、演讲、团队合作以及与行业合作伙伴建立联系。申请人的前任HQP都有卓越的职业生涯（7人成为教授，其中一人是加拿大研究主席，其余都被顶级行业聘用，包括奥雅纳-纽约，哈尔萨尔和跨加拿大）

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 replacementThis 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 studiedThe 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 timesDuring 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)