Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania

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337 Fourth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Phone: (412) 261-0710 Email: eswp@eswp.com Get Directions

Monday, June 3, 2024

Featured State Session

Session 2

Time: 1:30 – 3:00 PM

IBC 23-FS05: Concrete Deck Practices and Discussion of Results of Domestic Scan
Kevin Pruski, PE, Texas DOT, Austin, TX

TxDOT participated in the NCHRP 20-68 Domestic Scan 22-01 titled Recent Leading innovations in the Design, Construction, and Materials used for Concrete Bridge Decks. The scan included personnel from 18 states who discussed the varied practices of bridge deck design, materials, and construction techniques. Significant findings and team recommendations will be presented. The evolution of the TxDOT bridge deck design, resulting in a modified version of the AASHTO LRFD’s Empirical deck, and construction practices is included.

IBC 23-FS06: Bridge Inspection Program in Texas
Mark Wallace, P.E., Texas DOT, Austin, TX

TxDOT reports approximately 56,600 bridges to the FHWA and carries another 2000 bridges and other structures in the database. The twenty-five highway districts manage the inspection work issued under contracts that are administered by the centralized Bridge Division. Nearly all routine, and approximately half of the NSTM and underwater inspections are done through 25 consultant contracts. The balance of inspections are performed by in-house forces, including a limited number of routine/inventory inspections, and approximately half of combined 1800 underwater and NSTM inspections.
Currently, TxDOT uses 20 consultant contracts to perform an average of 28,000 routine inspections per year, 3 contracts for approximately 200 NSTM inspections per year, and 2 contracts for approximately 100 UW inspections per year.
Structures can be damaged from human and natural causes, have deadloads increased through such events as overlays, and can be subjected to loads higher than typical trucks. All these circumstances have the potential for causing the need for load rating bridges to determine how they are affected. Occasionally, “new” trucks, such as SHVs and EVs, are mandated to be accounted for to prove their effects on bridges. The goal being to restrict loads when needed to maintain the safe load carrying capacity.
As technology changes and improves, the leveraging of gaining new, or more easily obtained data is always considered. Currently, TxDOT makes limited use of technology such as aerial drones and sonar. We are looking to use such technologies were practical, to gain better, more complete information on the condition of our bridges. The technology not only has the potential to provide more complete information, but information that was not previously available without significant effort. There is also a potential for increased safety for our inspectors, reduced inspection costs, and less driver impact.

IBC 23-FS07: TxDOT’s Plan for Digital Delivery
Courtney Holle, P.E., Texas DOT, Austin, TX

TxDOT has made large strides toward digital delivery in recent years, starting with the creation of the Digital Delivery Section. This section leads and engages various stakeholders, internal and external, as TxDOT moves toward developing 3D project models that can be used throughout the lifecycle of their assets. This presentation will describe TxDOT’s current state and future plans for digital delivery across the department including how bridges/structures is being integrated into the program.

IBC 23-FS08: TxDOT’s Bridge Design for Expedited Construction
Hunter Walton, P.E., Texas DOT, Austin, TX

Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) designs and practices are useful to address both emergency projects and special needs in key projects to minimize construction zone impacts to the driving public. TxDOT standard practices and details are well targeted for accelerated construction and do not require drastic modification to expedite bridge construction. These details have been developed in conjunction with fabricators and contractors for practical application and construction methods. While certain innovative designs are gaining popularity, the expedited pace of bridge projects in Texas has not necessitated intricate designs. Instead, many traditional ABC methods have proven highly effective in minimizing construction time.

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Proprietary Session

Session 2

Time: 1:30-3:00 PM

IBC 24-04: Leveraging UAS, AI, and Digital Twin Technology to Transform Bridge Inspection: Robert Street Bridge
Scott Becher, Bentley Systems, NEPTUNE BEACH, FL; Barritt Lovelace, P.E., Collins Engineers, INC, St. Paul, MN

Owners and operators that are responsible for managing, inspecting, and repairing bridge infrastructure are currently faced with an increasingly difficult task. The rapid increase of structures that are due for repairs or replacement combined with an expanding network and labor force challenges requires an innovative solution from the industry. It is imperative that the owner/operators and the consultants they rely on leverage the latest technology to provide more accurate and consistent data in less time. As we increase our ability to collect and analyze large amounts of data using unmanned aerial systems (UAS), reality models, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) sensing to create digital twins, we are transforming the way bridges are inspected and managed. Building reality models in a collaborative cloud-based platform introduces the new workflow of pre-inspection, on-site inspection and report delivery. This enables better asset assessment prior to on-site inspection, improved planning of resources and equipment, increased worker efficiency, reduced on-site time, increased safety for all workers and traveling public, data-rich delivery enhanced with insights to stakeholders and better decision-making based on more data than previously available. This joint presentation between Collins Engineers, inc., and Bentley Systems covers how using UAS , reality data models, AI, and IoT enabled a new and improved inspection workflow to preserve the century-old architectural marvel that is Robert Street Bridge.

IBC 24-05: Two Coat Inorganic Coating System for Steel Bridges
Kristen Blankenship, Carboline, St. Louis, MO

Design considerations for steel bridge coatings include exposure environment, aesthetics, application, and cost. Steel bridge coatings must offer protection against corrosion. Current techniques including traditional three coat zinc, epoxy, urethane systems, galvanizing, and thermal spray metallization. Another pathway for steel protection includes the use of decades old inorganic zinc spray applied coatings. This approach offers the performance of a metallized coating while using conventional spray application. What’s new is the use of an inorganic topcoat that maintains performance and shop throughput while adding color and aesthetics. This study will compare a two coat inorganic coating system against a conventional three coat system, galvanized, thermal spray metallized, and sealed thermal spray metallized system in corrosion resistance lab testing. A comparison of applied cost and throughput will be presented along with a review of the chemistry of this approach and the sustainability benefits it offers.

IBC 24-06: Implementing F3148 Fixed Spline Fastening and The Combined Method
Jeff Greene, LeJeune Bolt Company, Burnsville, MN

The combined pretensioning method and F3148 Fixed Spline Fastening is changing bridge bolting, bringing massive labor savings and higher quality connections. Now approved by RCSC, AISC, AASHTO, and AREMA. Users will want to understand the impact of these systems on future bridge design and construction. ASTM F3148 bolts are a 144 ksi fixed spline fastener that uses the Combined Method of installation. Through the use of this higher strength bolt users can now design using fewer bolts per connection. The Combined Method of installation utilizes torque to produce a quantifiable snug tight condition and angle (nut rotation) to achieve an accurate and reliable pretention well above the specified minimum tension.

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Special Sessions

Time: 3:30-5:00 PM (4 papers in each session, details coming soon)

Young Attendees SS

IBC 23-SS01: Commercial St. Bridge: Finite Element Modeling of a Steel Delta Frame Structure for Accelerated Bridge
James Bumstead, HDR, Pittsburgh, PA

Commercial St. Bridge is a five span, steel girder system supported by two delta frame arches located in the Pittsburgh area. The bridge consists of seven lines of composite steel plate girders and includes a unique, lateral slide-in methodology for accelerated construction. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the finite element model for this bridge in its final condition, including discussions of the global and local FEA models and the approach used to model the delta frame structure.

IBC 23-SS02: Springville, UT 1600 South – Bridge C 1093 over UPRR/UTA
Richard Jones III, P.E., CBSI, and Steven Rodgers P.E., CBSI, H.W. Lochner, Pittsburgh, PA

Bridge C 1093 is a single-span grade separated structure carrying 1600 South over UPRR/UTA tracks that replaced an at-grade crossing. The bridge length and profile were dictated by required horizontal and vertical clearances per UPRR/UTA guidelines. Due to the significant profile increase required, steel girders were used to minimize superstructure depth and approach roadway work. 50-foot approach slabs were required to mitigate post-construction  settlement (up to 3”).

IBC 23-SS03: coming soon

IBC 23-SS04: coming soon

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Current Topics and Issues for Bridge Owners (AASHTO COBS SS)

IBC 23-SS05: DelDOT’s Implementation of Risk-Based Inspection Intervals
Matt Mortensen, P.E., Delaware DOT

The 2022 final rule of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) implemented changes to how states can determine bridges for extended intervals. This included introducing Method 1 – a simplified risk-based inspection interval as an option for bridge owners. DelDOT utilized Method 1 to develop a state policy for selecting bridges to be inspected at extended intervals. DelDOT’s policy was submitted and approved by the FHWA. This presentation will discuss DelDOT’s policy and its development.

IBC 23-SS06: Mitigating Fire Hazards at Texas Bridges
Steven J. Austin, P.E., Texas DOT

Texas’ bridge inventory is exposed to a number of hazards. Mitigating the hazards associated with encampments at Texas bridges has been a growing challenge for the state. Texas policy requires that the area below bridges be clear of any flammable or explosive material. Unauthorized occupants inside and below bridges have resulted in significant structural damage and traffic disruptions. This presentation will discuss TxDOT’s experiences with this hazard and provide an update on efforts to mitigate this hazard.

IBC 23-SS07: Human-centric AI for Trustable Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Planning
Pingbo Tang, Ph.D., P.E., Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

This presentation will overview the presenter’s efforts in integrating human and machine intelligence to achieve reliable and explainable bridge deterioration modeling. Computer vision and natural language processing techniques can detect and analyze bridge defects from images and reports. Still, these algorithms have difficulty explaining condition ratings and how structural defects form critical failing trends that deserve immediate attention. Human inspectors can guide computers with their knowledge of physics to achieve explainable and reliable condition assessments.

IBC 23-SS08: coming soon

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State DOT Bridge Program Updates SS

IBC 23-SS09: Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development Bridge Program
Kelly Kemp, P.E., Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development

The presentation will describe the LADOTD Bridge Program including defining its two subprograms “On-System” and “Off-System, bridge inventory types and quantities, and our average annual project letting information. Selected projects will be shown to illustrate project types required to preserve our state routes, such as new bridges for new sites and replacements, repair and rehabilitation of existing bridges, innovations, alternative delivery methods, and bridge design and construction challenges. Aspects of preventive and reactive maintenance and asset management will be addressed.

IBC 23-SS10: Texas DOT Bridge Program
Bernie Carrasco, P.E., Texas DOT

IBC 23-SS11: Bridges – A Keystone of Pennsylvania Infrastructure
Richard Runyen, P.E., Pennsylvania DOT, Harrisburg, PA

This presentation will provide a basic overview of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) bridge program and offer a high-level look at Pennsylvania’s bridge inventory, major ongoing and upcoming bridge projects, asset management approach, bridge inspection program, and current challenges the Commonwealth faces.

IBC 23-SS12: Show Me Bridges at the Missouri Department of Transportation
Bryan Hartnagel, P.E., Missouri DOT, Jefferson City, MO

This presentation will give an update on the Missouri Department of Transportation Bridge Program. Three major river bridges are under construction at this time and an update will be given on these projects. Our design build bridge bundling procurement method will also be described. Finally, innovations we have employed to improve bridge service life will be described.

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T1 Steel – Inspection, Testing, and Repair Strategies SS

IBC 23-SS13: Inspection and Testing Access for T1 Steel
Jennifer Laning, P.E., TranSystems

In response to the FHWA Memorandum for the Non-Destructive Testing of Fracture Critical Members Fabricated from AASHTO M244 Grade 100 Steel, bridge owners were required to perform hands-on inspection of tension members fabricated with T-1 steel, including visual inspection to verify the soundness of all tension butt welds and non-destructive testing (NDT) of the welds.  Access to perform these visual and NDT inspections on large, complex truss structures is challenging and requires a great deal of logistics and expertise.  This presentation will discuss the methods employed to perform inspection and testing on one of the largest trusses in the US and manage the collection of the inspection data.

IBC 23-SS14: Performance Qualification of UT Technicians for T1 Inspections
Curtis Schroeder, Ph.D., P.E., WJE

This presentation will discuss performance qualification testing of UT technicians related to UT inspection of T1 butt welds. Discussed will be the performance test setup, scoring criteria, and results. In addition, this presentation will highlight findings from efforts to account for effects of paint on UT scanning through the development of calibration factors.

IBC 23-SS15: Kentucky’s T-1 Steel Inspection Program
Jason Stith, Ph.D., P.E., S.E., Michael Baker International, Louisville, KY

In 2021, FHWA sent out a directive requiring the inspect of “T-1” steel, toward this end the KYTC partnered with Michael Baker to develop and execute a plan to accomplish this federal mandate.  Through early coordination and steady determination, over 2500 welds on 7 bridges across the state were tested and evaluated.  This presentation will discuss this partnership and the steps taken to meet the federal mandate in a calculated, fiscally responsible, and safe manner.

IBC 23-SS16: Jennings Randolph T1 Steel Inspection, Findings, and Indication Remediation
Andrew Adams, P.E., Modjeski and Masters, Mechanicsburg, PA

During a comprehensive inspection of T1 steel details, surface breaking cracks were identified in two welds in the lower chord of the Jennings Randolph Bridge, resulting in its immediate closure. After investigating the impact of the cracks and other indications found, Modjeski and Masters developed remediation plans and partnered closely with the WVDOH to oversee the emergency repairs. This presentation will highlight the interpretation of UT findings and the development of straightforward and easy to implement repair solutions.

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Workshops

W01: Routine and Special Permit Load Analysis to Ensure Bridge Safety
Lubin Gao, USDOT/FHWA, Washington, DC

Time: 3:30 – 5:30 PM

2022 final rule of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS, 23 CFR§ 650 Subpart C) requires analysis for routine and special permit loads to ensure bridge safety:
23 CFR§ 650.313(k)(3) Analyze routine and special permit loads for each bridge that these loads cross to verify the bridge can safely carry the load.
This requirement is essentially identical to that in previous versions of the NBIS, but difference in language exists. In this workshop, we will focus our discussion on the intent of this requirement, how to meet this requirement and present case studies. The following are three focused topics:
1. Types of overweight permit loads;
2. Bridge load rating for routine and special permit loads;
3. Case studies.

W02: International Workshop Panel Discussion

Time: 3:30 – 5:30 PM

The Second Annual International Workshop Panel Discussion will be highly interactive featuring bridge professionals from multiple countries.  The focus of the discussion will be to compare how bridges are designed and built in various countries that are represented.  The panel will entertain questions on engineering, contracting methods, construction practices, and other aspects of how bridges become a reality.  A panel of IBC representatives will be ready to ask questions to keep the discussion going, but questions from the audience will be encouraged and welcomed.

(If you are from outside the USA, are planning to attend the IBC, and are interested in being on this panel, please contact Kristina Emmerson, k.emmerson@eswp.com)