Durability of Thermoplastic Rebars Used in Reinforced Concrete Structures Project 2.25 Project Summary The objective of this study is to study the durability of thermoplastic composite (TC) rebars. The end-use of thermoplastic rebars is as reinforcements in concrete structures. This research work focuses on the effects of moisture, alkaline exposure, and seawater wetting and drying […]
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Mineralogical Characterization of Pavement Aggregates in Maine Project 2.21 Project Summary Paving represents a significant cost for transportation infrastructure in the State of Maine. With a low population density and high road density, the State of Maine has significant paving needs. The adverse climate conditions across the diversity of environmental conditions in the state leads […]
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Assessment of CT Girder Load Distribution and Web Buckling Through Field Load Testing and Finite-Element Analysis Project 3.17: Field Live Load Testing and Advanced Analysis of Concrete T-Beam Bridges to Extend Service Life Project Summary Recent and ongoing research has highlighted the need to better understand and quantify web shear capacity as well as the […]
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GBeam Bridge Girder Pultrusion: Section Design and Optimization Project 3.21 Project Summary The GBeam girder system, recently developed by the University of Maine (Dagher et al. 2019; Davids et al. 2022a; Davids et al. 2022b), holds significant promise for widespread application in conventional, slab-on-girder bridges. Its successful initial implementation is driven by enhanced durability, low […]
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Steel-Free Concrete Bridge Decks Project 3.18: Project Summary In order to realize a potentially transformational improvement in concrete bridge deck durability, the proposed research program intends to validate a deck design by which little to no conventional reinforcement is required. The design relies on the development of so-called arching action to maintain compressive stresses in […]
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Analysis of MaineDOT Road and Bridge Infrastructure Construction Costs Project 3.20 Project Summary Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has been experiencing increasing costs in bids received for bridge repair, road paving and other infrastructure construction projects. This was first observed for bridges in the Fall of 2018 and paving in the spring 2019. Moreover, for […]
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Exploring the Safety Impact of Rumble Strips on Prevention ofLane Departure Crashes in Maine Project 1.14 Project Summary Enhancing safety of roadway segments is a critical step towards maintaining durable transportation infrastructures. Due to significant costs associated with construction of roadway segments, redesigning or rebuilding a roadway segment is not always a viable solution for […]
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Recycling Large-Scale 3 D-Printed Polymer Composite Precast Concrete Forms Project 2.18 Project Summary Large-scale thermoplastic composite extrusion-based 3D printing has been used in research labs and is moving into industry. One significant use of large-scale 3D printing has been to make forms for manufacturing precast concrete parts. Once the forms have been used for casting […]
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CT Bridge Girder Sections with Precast Decks and FRP Girder-Deck ShearConnectors Project 3.16 Project Summary UMaine recently developed and commercialized, in partnership with AIT Bridges, a novel, fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bridge girder. This project focuses on the assessment of the fiber‐reinforced polymer tub girder (CT girder) with precast concrete decks and new, FRP girder‐deck […]
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Durability of Modified Helical Piles Under Lateral and Torsional Loads: Embracing Efficient Foundation Alternatives to Support Lightweight Transportation Structures Project C17.2020 Project Summary 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 […]
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