Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2012
ABSTRACT Slab panel bridges (elsewhere referred to as flat-slab bridges) are constructed with mul... more ABSTRACT Slab panel bridges (elsewhere referred to as flat-slab bridges) are constructed with multiple precast pretensioned slab panels that are placed side by side and act compositely with a cast-in-place concrete topping. Design standards from the Florida Department of Transportation specify that individual slab panels be supported by a tripod system of bearing pads. A single bearing pad is placed at one end, and two bearing pads at the opposite end. This paper presents experimental research on the effect that this bearing pad arrangement has on the behavior and capacity of slab panel members. Four full-scale tests on slab panels were conducted, with variables that included the bearing pad arrangement (single or double bearing), and the position of the load point [shear span-to-depth (a/d) ratio of 2.0 and 3.3]. For slab panels loaded at a/d of 3.3, test results indicated that the behavior and capacity were independent of the bearing pad arrangement. For the panel loaded at a/d of 2.0 with a single bearing pad, the failure mode was bond shear. The panel loaded at a/d of 2.0 with two bearing pads failed in flexure. Experimental results were compared with theoretical capacities calculated with American Concrete Institute and AASHTO codes. Design recommendations were made on the basis of the experimental results and on the comparison with theoretical capacities.
An experimental program was conducted to determine an appropriate length of strain gage for use i... more An experimental program was conducted to determine an appropriate length of strain gage for use in testing limestone and granite aggregate concretes. Variables in the test program included type and size of aggregate, and length of strain gage. Test specimens consisted of concrete cylinders fitted with a mechanical dial gage, and with multiple electrical resistance strain gages ranging from 120mm
Obsolescence is a widespread “hazard” to the built environment, which often leads to the demoliti... more Obsolescence is a widespread “hazard” to the built environment, which often leads to the demolition of buildings that still have years of remaining service life. This paper identifies eleven design-based “enablers” (strategies) for creating adaptable buildings that are resistant to obsolescence. The perceived effectiveness of the enablers was studied through a survey of design professionals. Statistical analyses of the survey results were conducted to compare responses between different groups of design professionals. While the results are considered preliminary, they do suggest that some of the enablers are viewed as being significantly more effective than the others. Further work in quantitative modeling of building adaptability is to follow, as we hope to promote sustainability by empowering designers with tools that can best enable the adaptive reuse of buildings.
Biomimicry, used increasingly to make engineering advances, remains underutilized on the scale of... more Biomimicry, used increasingly to make engineering advances, remains underutilized on the scale of the built environment. Drawing from a systems engineering foundation, this research characterizes biomimetic design by the natural principle form follows function. By identifying and manipulating the mathematical functions that govern the resulting natural form, this research explores how built structures can best capture the fundamental functions of an organism. Studying an organism’s form, processes, and habitat can lead to the development of structures that are able to adapt to changing trends and standards over time. An example is provided from the authors’ current project, which involves structurally modeling the Turritella terebra seashell and conducting parametric studies to determine which of its characteristics allow for its adaptability. These adaptability parameters can be mapped to analogous characteristics in structural design.
The deficiencies in safety and functional obsolescence of U.S. infrastructure call for innovative... more The deficiencies in safety and functional obsolescence of U.S. infrastructure call for innovative solutions to end this crisis. Biomimicry, the imitation of nature’spatterns and strategies, may be one approach towards adaptable infrastructure that is continually safe and relevant. This paper describes a project-based course that has been developed to engage students in exploring bio-inspired, adaptable solutions through structural art. Students work together in an interdisciplinary team to learn about current problems in and potential solutions to our infrastructure crisis. This project culminates in a sculpture that is designed, constructed, and presented by the students to illustrate their understanding and proposed solution to these issues, where the objective of the structure itself is to increase public awareness of bio-inspired and adaptable infrastructure solutions.
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2012
ABSTRACT Slab panel bridges (elsewhere referred to as flat-slab bridges) are constructed with mul... more ABSTRACT Slab panel bridges (elsewhere referred to as flat-slab bridges) are constructed with multiple precast pretensioned slab panels that are placed side by side and act compositely with a cast-in-place concrete topping. Design standards from the Florida Department of Transportation specify that individual slab panels be supported by a tripod system of bearing pads. A single bearing pad is placed at one end, and two bearing pads at the opposite end. This paper presents experimental research on the effect that this bearing pad arrangement has on the behavior and capacity of slab panel members. Four full-scale tests on slab panels were conducted, with variables that included the bearing pad arrangement (single or double bearing), and the position of the load point [shear span-to-depth (a/d) ratio of 2.0 and 3.3]. For slab panels loaded at a/d of 3.3, test results indicated that the behavior and capacity were independent of the bearing pad arrangement. For the panel loaded at a/d of 2.0 with a single bearing pad, the failure mode was bond shear. The panel loaded at a/d of 2.0 with two bearing pads failed in flexure. Experimental results were compared with theoretical capacities calculated with American Concrete Institute and AASHTO codes. Design recommendations were made on the basis of the experimental results and on the comparison with theoretical capacities.
An experimental program was conducted to determine an appropriate length of strain gage for use i... more An experimental program was conducted to determine an appropriate length of strain gage for use in testing limestone and granite aggregate concretes. Variables in the test program included type and size of aggregate, and length of strain gage. Test specimens consisted of concrete cylinders fitted with a mechanical dial gage, and with multiple electrical resistance strain gages ranging from 120mm
Obsolescence is a widespread “hazard” to the built environment, which often leads to the demoliti... more Obsolescence is a widespread “hazard” to the built environment, which often leads to the demolition of buildings that still have years of remaining service life. This paper identifies eleven design-based “enablers” (strategies) for creating adaptable buildings that are resistant to obsolescence. The perceived effectiveness of the enablers was studied through a survey of design professionals. Statistical analyses of the survey results were conducted to compare responses between different groups of design professionals. While the results are considered preliminary, they do suggest that some of the enablers are viewed as being significantly more effective than the others. Further work in quantitative modeling of building adaptability is to follow, as we hope to promote sustainability by empowering designers with tools that can best enable the adaptive reuse of buildings.
Biomimicry, used increasingly to make engineering advances, remains underutilized on the scale of... more Biomimicry, used increasingly to make engineering advances, remains underutilized on the scale of the built environment. Drawing from a systems engineering foundation, this research characterizes biomimetic design by the natural principle form follows function. By identifying and manipulating the mathematical functions that govern the resulting natural form, this research explores how built structures can best capture the fundamental functions of an organism. Studying an organism’s form, processes, and habitat can lead to the development of structures that are able to adapt to changing trends and standards over time. An example is provided from the authors’ current project, which involves structurally modeling the Turritella terebra seashell and conducting parametric studies to determine which of its characteristics allow for its adaptability. These adaptability parameters can be mapped to analogous characteristics in structural design.
The deficiencies in safety and functional obsolescence of U.S. infrastructure call for innovative... more The deficiencies in safety and functional obsolescence of U.S. infrastructure call for innovative solutions to end this crisis. Biomimicry, the imitation of nature’spatterns and strategies, may be one approach towards adaptable infrastructure that is continually safe and relevant. This paper describes a project-based course that has been developed to engage students in exploring bio-inspired, adaptable solutions through structural art. Students work together in an interdisciplinary team to learn about current problems in and potential solutions to our infrastructure crisis. This project culminates in a sculpture that is designed, constructed, and presented by the students to illustrate their understanding and proposed solution to these issues, where the objective of the structure itself is to increase public awareness of bio-inspired and adaptable infrastructure solutions.
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continually safe and relevant. This paper describes a project-based course that has been developed to engage students in exploring bio-inspired, adaptable solutions through structural art. Students work together in an interdisciplinary team to learn
about current problems in and potential solutions to our infrastructure crisis. This project culminates in a sculpture that is designed, constructed, and presented by the students to illustrate their understanding and proposed solution to these issues, where the objective of the structure itself is to increase public awareness of bio-inspired and adaptable infrastructure solutions.
continually safe and relevant. This paper describes a project-based course that has been developed to engage students in exploring bio-inspired, adaptable solutions through structural art. Students work together in an interdisciplinary team to learn
about current problems in and potential solutions to our infrastructure crisis. This project culminates in a sculpture that is designed, constructed, and presented by the students to illustrate their understanding and proposed solution to these issues, where the objective of the structure itself is to increase public awareness of bio-inspired and adaptable infrastructure solutions.