Table Of ContentAbstract
The goal of this MQP was to analyze different possible replacement strategies for a specific highway
bridge to design the most easily implementable and efficient replacement. Design of the bridge
elements was completed in accordance with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specification and was aided by
the use of software. The final presentation included a structural design of the selected superstructure
and substructure with accompanying construction and traffic planning, as well as a cost estimate of
direct and indirect costs.
2
Acknowledgements
This project was only possible with the support and guidance of much of the engineering
community at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Countless work hours were spent in campus computer
labs, at the library, and occasionally in random departments (Did you know WPI Facilities have a full size
plotter?). The campus culture is invaluable in completing a complete and massive undertaking such as a
Major Qualifying Project.
Specifically there are a few people we would like to thank specifically for their help with the
project, starting with our Advisor Professor Albano. We always received quick responses to questions
and good engineering guidance when the project stalled. It was a journey, but the final project has been
shaped by Professor Albano’s advice since the very beginning. None of the group members had any
experience with bridge design before the project, and we made it to the finish, which says a lot for our
advising quality.
We would especially like to thank Professor Okumus for her guidance throughout the course of
the project. Her extensive knowledge in the subject and guidance in navigating the extensive AASHTO
code were invaluable.
Finally, we would like to thank the engineers at the State of New Hampshire Department of
Transportation, Construction Bureau. Personally, I (Joshua Nitso) had the opportunity to intern in the
construction bureau working on a similar project last summer (2012), and it was one of the best
experiences a young engineer can have. The ability to construct such important structures in our daily
lives cannot be overstated, and I have a great respect for NHDOT engineers. Without their help in
acquiring plans and information for this project, it would have been more difficult if not impossible to
accomplish our goal.
Thank you,
Sam Gagnon
Brian Karolicki
Joshua Nitso
3
Authorship
Abstract-Karolicki and Nitso
Acknowledgements-Gagnon, Karolicki and Nitso
Authorship-Gagnon,Karolicki and Nitso
Capstone Design Statement-Gagnon, Karolicki and Nitso
1.1 Introduction to Highway Bridges in the United States-Nitso
1.2 Problem Statement -Gagnon, Karolicki and Nitso
1.3 Objective-Gagnon, Karolicki and Nitso
1.4 Scope-Gagnon, Karolicki and Nitso
2.1 Interstate 93 SB over Pelham Road-Nitso
2.2 Design of Highway Bridges-Nitso
2.2.1 AASHTO LRFD and New Hampshire State Bridge Design Specifications-Karolicki,Nitso
2.2.2 Bridge Superstructure-Gagnon, Karolicki and Nitso
2.2.3 Foundations-Gagnon
2.2.4 Pavement -Nitso
2.2.5 Safety-Nitso
2.2.6 Design Aids-Karolicki, Nitso
2.3.1 Traditional Construction Plan-Karolicki
2.3.2 Accelerated Bridge Construction Plan-Karolicki
2.3.3 Cost of Delays-Nitso
2.4 Traffic Plan-Nitso
2.5 Stormwater Management Plan-Gagnon
3.1 Procurement of Site and Background Information-Nitso
3.2.1 Structural Steel Bridge-Karolicki
3.2.2 Precast Bridge-Nitso
3.3 Development of the Structural Steel Preliminary Design-Gagnon, Karolicki
3.3.1 Distribution Factors-Karolicki
3.3.2 Moment Distribution Factors-Karolicki
3.3.3 Shear Distribution Factors-Karolicki
3.3.4 The Lever Rule-Gagnon
3.3.5 Preliminary Non-Composite Beam Design-Karolicki
3.3.6 Preliminary Composite Bridge Design-Gagnon
3.3.7 Vertical Shear Design-Karolicki
3.4 Development of the Precast Concrete Preliminary Design-Nitso
3.5 Development of Design Considerations for Preliminary Design-Nitso
3.6 Development of the Construction Time and Labor Estimates For Preliminary Designs-Nitso
3.7 Development of the Preliminary Design Final Estimates-Nitso
3.8 Selection of a Final Design Type-Nitso
3.9.1 Final Loading for Prestressed Deck Bulb Tees-Karolicki
3.9.2 Flexural Design for Prestressed Deck Bulb Tees-Nitso
3.9.3 Vertical Shear Design for Prestressed Deck Bulb Tees-Karolicki
4
Capstone Design Statement
In this Major Qualifying Project, the project team was responsible for planning an Interstate
Bridge replacement project. The subject bridge is located in Salem, New Hampshire and carries
Interstate-93 over Pelham Road (NH 97). The replacement bridge had to be durable, functional, cost
effective, and designed in a manner to be easily constructed with minimum impact on the community.
The project group investigated several bridge designs and created a construction and traffic diversion
plan. The design incorporated the concept of Accelerated Bridge Construction in order to minimize the
project impacts to the economy and environment of Salem, and to the safety of the community. By
attempting to meet the requirements for a successful replacement span, the MQP satisfies the
requirements necessary for Capstone Design which includes the following realistic constraints:
manufacturability, health and safety, and environmental implications.
Economic
Cost estimates for the preliminary designs and final designs were completed for
the total cost of the materials, equipment, and labor required.
A Work Zone Road User Cost was developed for the final design to compare the
financial impacts of Accelerated Bridge Construction compared to traditional
construction methods.
The proposed design was created to be as cost-effective as possible by
attempting to minimize time onsite, traffic related costs, and by selecting an
appropriate superstructure for the length of the design span.
Constructability
Standard construction materials and practice were utilized when considering
construction design scenarios. Materials and members easily obtainable were
used whenever possible.
Several superstructure designs for both steel and precast concrete were
developed and analyzed to provide the most practical construction options.
The structure was designed to be erected as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Environmental
The project was designed to minimize the amount of construction time on-site
which in turn limits the time the ground is left susceptible to erosion.
The project attempted to limit detours and the construction of temporary roads
and bridges by reducing the necessary traffic diversion.
Appropriate Best Management Practices were utilized to limit the amount of
stormwater runoff from the construction site.
6
Safety and Ethics
The respective sections of the design were developed using the AASHTO LRFD
Bridge Specification
The construction was designed to be completed as quickly as possible with as
much work done off-site as possible to reduce the danger to both workers and
commuters.
Social and Political
The project was designed to provide a safer, more functional bridge for public
use. The bridge was designed to improve on the appearance of the existing
structure.
The construction and traffic plan were completed to minimize the impact on the
public.
7
Table of Contents
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Authorship .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Capstone Design Statement .......................................................................................................................... 6
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 8
List of Figures .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Table of Tables ............................................................................................................................................ 15
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 16
1.1 Introduction to Highway Bridges in the United States ..................................................................... 16
1.2 Problem Statement ........................................................................................................................... 17
1.3 Objective ........................................................................................................................................... 18
1.4 Scope ................................................................................................................................................. 18
2. Background ............................................................................................................................................. 19
2.1 Interstate 93 SB over Pelham Road .................................................................................................. 19
2.2 Design of Highway Bridges ................................................................................................................ 22
2.2.1 AASHTO LRFD and New Hampshire State Bridge Design Specifications .................................... 23
2.2.2 Bridge Superstructure ................................................................................................................ 25
2.2.3 Foundations ............................................................................................................................... 32
2.2.4 Pavement ................................................................................................................................... 34
2.2.5 Safety ......................................................................................................................................... 36
2.2.6 Design Aids ................................................................................................................................. 36
2.3 Construction Plan .............................................................................................................................. 38
2.3.1 Traditional Construction Plan .................................................................................................... 38
2.3.2 Accelerated Bridge Construction Plan ....................................................................................... 39
2.3.3 Cost of Delays ............................................................................................................................. 41
2.4 Traffic Plan ........................................................................................................................................ 42
2.5 Stormwater Management................................................................................................................. 43
3. Methodology ........................................................................................................................................... 45
3.1 Procurement of Site and Background Information ........................................................................... 45
3.2 Selection of Superstructure Types to Pursue for Preliminary Design ............................................... 46
3.2.1 Structural Steel Bridge ............................................................................................................... 46
8
3.2.2 Precast Bridge ............................................................................................................................ 46
3.3 Development of the Structural Steel Preliminary Design ................................................................. 48
3.3.1 Distribution Factors .................................................................................................................... 48
3.3.2 Moment Distribution Factors ..................................................................................................... 49
3.3.3 Shear Distribution Factors ......................................................................................................... 50
3.3.4 The Lever Rule ............................................................................................................................ 51
3.3.5 Preliminary Non-Composite Beam Design ................................................................................. 52
3.3.6 Preliminary Composite Bridge Design........................................................................................ 53
3.3.7 Vertical Shear Design ................................................................................................................. 56
3.4 Development of the Precast Concrete Preliminary Design .............................................................. 57
3.5 Development of Design Considerations for Preliminary Design ....................................................... 60
3.6 Development of the Construction Time and Labor Estimates for Preliminary Designs ................... 61
3.7 Development of the Cost Estimates for the Preliminary Design Final Estimates ............................. 62
3.8 Selection of a Final Design Type........................................................................................................ 63
3.9 Development of the Proposed Design .............................................................................................. 63
3.9.1 Loading for Prestressed Deck Bulb Tees .................................................................................... 63
3.9.2 Flexural Design for Prestressed Deck Bulb Tees ........................................................................ 64
3.9.3 Vertical Shear Design for Prestressed Deck Bulb Tees .............................................................. 66
3.9.4 Pier Design ................................................................................................................................. 67
3.9.5 Abutment and Wingwall Design ................................................................................................ 71
3.10 Development of the Traffic Plan ..................................................................................................... 74
3.11 Development of the Cost and Time Estimates for the Proposed Solution ..................................... 75
3.12 Determining the Work Zone Road User Cost .................................................................................. 76
3.13 Comparison between Project Design and State Plans .................................................................... 77
4. Preliminary Results and Evaluation..................................................................................................... 78
4.1 Load Results ...................................................................................................................................... 78
4.2 Design Studies ................................................................................................................................... 79
4.2.1 Steel Design Study ...................................................................................................................... 79
4.2.2 Precast Design Study .................................................................................................................. 79
4.3 Preliminary Designs ........................................................................................................................... 81
4.3.1 Steel Preliminary Designs ........................................................................................................... 81
4.3.2 Precast Preliminary Design ........................................................................................................ 87
9
4.4 Evaluation of Alternatives ................................................................................................................. 88
4.4.1 Construction Time and Labor Estimates ........................................................................................ 88
4.4.2 Cost Estimates ................................................................................................................................ 89
4.5 Final Bridge Type Choice ................................................................................................................... 89
5. Design Development ........................................................................................................................... 91
5.1 Superstructure Design ................................................................................................................ 91
5.1.1 Loads ................................................................................................................................... 91
5.1.2 Flexural Design .................................................................................................................... 93
5.1.3 Vertical Shear Design .......................................................................................................... 94
5.2 Pier Design ........................................................................................................................................ 96
5.2.1 Loads .......................................................................................................................................... 96
5.2.2 Pier Cap ...................................................................................................................................... 99
5.2.3 Pier Columns ............................................................................................................................ 100
5.2.4 Foundations ............................................................................................................................. 102
5.3 Abutment Design ...................................................................................................................... 103
5.4 Wingwall Design ........................................................................................................................ 108
5.5 Final Time and Cost Estimate .......................................................................................................... 111
Project Bridge .................................................................................................................................... 112
State Bridge ....................................................................................................................................... 115
5.6 Construction Steps, Tasks, and Planned Traffic Routing ................................................................. 116
5.7 Work Zone Road User Cost ............................................................................................................. 129
6 Comparison and Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 132
6.1 Introduction to the State Design .................................................................................................... 132
6.2 Comparison & Analysis ................................................................................................................... 134
6.3 Comparison and Analysis ................................................................................................................ 135
6.3.1 Aesthetics ................................................................................................................................. 136
6.3.2 Constructability ........................................................................................................................ 136
6.3.3 Cost .......................................................................................................................................... 136
6.3.4 Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 137
6.3.5 Incentives ................................................................................................................................. 137
6.3.6 Final Evaluation ........................................................................................................................ 138
6.4 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 138
10
Description:experience with bridge design before the project, and we made it to the finish, 1.1 Introduction to Highway Bridges in the United States-Nitso Cost estimates for the preliminary designs and final designs were completed for Appropriate Best Management Practices were utilized to limit the amount o