TIDC is dedicated to identifying new methods and materials to improve upon existing infrastructure structures and systems. The addition of an alternative structural system in an existing system can have different outputs depending on the kind of system being improved upon, some projects can lead to greater ease of installation, others to improved longevity of useful life.
Alternative Structural Systems Featured Projects
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Project 2.10: Durability Evaluation of Carbon Fiber Composite Strands in Highway Bridges
The objectives of this project are to monitor the structural performance of carbon fiber composite cable (CFCC) strands in the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge, to evaluate long-term durability, and to assess durability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strands for pre-stressed concrete bridges.
This project will enhance transportation infrastructure durability as follows:
– The Maine Department of Transportation will be able to monitor the long-term durability of the CFCC strands continuously
– Non-corrosive CFRP strands will increase the longevity of highway bridges
Project C17.2020: Durability of Modified Helical Piles Under Lateral and Torsional Loads: Embracing Efficient Foundation Alternatives to Support Lightweight Transportation Structures
Modified helical (i.e. screw) piles are lightweight deep foundation elements that are screwed into the ground and efficiently generate geotechnical compressive and uplift resistance by mobilizing the shear strength of soil adjacent to helical plates that are welded to an extendable shaft. The addition of a novel collar vane increases the lateral and torsional resistance of this deep foundation element. Helical piles (HPs) are quick and simple to install, utilizing nonspecialized equipment that is ubiquitous in the United States construction industry, eliminating the need for a specialty contractor.
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Project 2.10: Durability Evaluation of Carbon Fiber Composite Strands in Highway Bridges
The objectives of this project are to monitor the structural performance of carbon fiber composite cable (CFCC) strands in the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge, to evaluate long-term durability, and to assess durability of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strands for pre-stressed concrete bridges.
This project will enhance transportation infrastructure durability as follows:
– The Maine Department of Transportation will be able to monitor the long-term durability of the CFCC strands continuously
– Non-corrosive CFRP strands will increase the longevity of highway bridges
Project C17.2020: Durability of Modified Helical Piles Under Lateral and Torsional Loads: Embracing Efficient Foundation Alternatives to Support Lightweight Transportation Structures
Modified helical (i.e. screw) piles are lightweight deep foundation elements that are screwed into the ground and efficiently generate geotechnical compressive and uplift resistance by mobilizing the shear strength of soil adjacent to helical plates that are welded to an extendable shaft. The addition of a novel collar vane increases the lateral and torsional resistance of this deep foundation element. Helical piles (HPs) are quick and simple to install, utilizing nonspecialized equipment that is ubiquitous in the United States construction industry, eliminating the need for a specialty contractor.