Project Summary

The primary goal of this research project is to develop and implement efficient and effective methodology for short-and long-term continuous condition monitoring and detection of railroad bridges. This is proposed to be achieved utilizing analytical and computational (finite element) modeling/analysis and field testing of bridges under moving train loads. Primary specific objectives include:
• Evaluating the current stress-strain condition of the material from the old existing New England railroad bridges.
• Validating finite element models (FEM) from field-obtained data for effective monitoring and condition assessing of the railroad bridge structures. Determining the number and locations of sensors needed to obtain accurate responses of entire bridges from the limited number of field test sensor data
• Understanding the effects of vehicle-bridge interaction and vehicle axle configurations and loadings on the bridge structural response and safety, especially on the older bridges.