Precast Inc. - September/October 2008 - (Page 58) INDUSTRY NEWS Bridge Design Specifications Become New Industry Standards F indings of a three-year study conducted by researchers in the Civil Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) have led to the adoption of new design specifications for certain types of concrete bridges. UTA Associate Professor Ali Abolmaali led a research team that investigated the shear capacities of precast reinforced concrete box culverts. The team conducted experiments using both finite element analysis and full-scale experimental testing. Twenty-eight full-scale culverts with different geometric dimensions and weighing as much as 47,000 pounds were loaded to the point of failure. Three-dimensional finite element models with coupled nonlinear analysis algorithms developed at UTA were validated and used for further parametric study. These were capable of accurately predicting the load deformation and crack initiation and propagation up to failure. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials has notified Dr. Abolmaali that the results of his study have been incorporated into the Load and Resistance Factor Design Specifications for both Concrete Design and Culvert Structures, replacing the current national bridge design codes. This research was conducted with funds from the Federal CRACK PREDICTION IN BOX CULVERT RESEARCH Highway Administration, the American Concrete Pipe Association and the National Science Foundation. Dr. Abolmaali was assisted by Professor John H. Matthys and Anil Garg, a Ph.D. student, both in civil engineering, and Dr. Raul Fernandez of the Automation & Robotics Research Institute and civil engineering graduate students. Established 1916 U.S. Foundry & Manufacturing Corp. U.S. Foundry proudly supports the NPCA and our Loyal Precast Distributors. Your #1 choice for Municipal and Utility Castings, Steel Grating, Hatches and Metal Fabrication products. U.S. Foundry meets all our distributors' needs with an unrivaled product line of "American Made" products. Call us to see how we can exceed your expectations. 800-432-9709 www.usfoundry.com 58 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 | PRECAST INC. BOOTH 765 THE PRECAST SHOW http://www.usfoundry.com http://www.usfoundry.com
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