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Bridges & Special Structures Design

Underbridge inspection units (UBIUs) that reach from above deck to below.

Bridges & Special Structures Design

Statewide Overall Carbon Fiber Composite Cable Bridge Monitoring


Project Number: SPR-1779

Contract Number: 2014-0043

Status: Complete

Start Date: 12/17/2013

End Date: 09/30/2026

Summary:

Five bridges with carbon fiber composite cable (CFCC) components were placed under continuous monitoring since 2013. These bridges are Bridge St. Bridge in Southfield (2001), Pembroke Bridge over M39 in Detroit (2011), M-50 Bridge over Norfolk Southern Rail Road (NSRR) in Jackson (2012), M-102 over Plum Creek Bridges (2013/2014) in Southfield, and I75 Bridge over Sexton/Kilfoil Drain in Allen Park (2017). The collected data included strain readings, temperatures, and forces in post-tensioned strands. Strain readings fluctuated with the seasonal and daily changes in temperature. In addition, concrete creep and shrinkage was captured with the slow acquired additional compressive strain readings at the same temperature over the years. The forces in post-tensioned CFCC strands fluctuated with the seasonal change in temperature as well. However, no evidence of force loss or deteriorated load carrying capacity was noted. During the monitoring period, multiple strain gages experienced malfunction and provided out-of-range readings. However, no indication of bridge or beam distress was noted. This report provides a detailed discussion for the monitoring program, sensor locations, and interpretation of collected data. In addition, monitoring charts are provided in the last chapter of this report.

 

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