MCEER-Calspan Full-Scale Bridge Test
In partnership with Calspan, MCEER will develop two full-scale bridge tests at Calspan’s 700-acre Ashford facility. The Ashford facility will enable Center researchers to subject two adjacent single lane bridges equipped with state-of-the art isolation technologies to harsh, real-world conditions and earthquake vibrations.
The purpose of the partnership and the studies are to combine the talents of both organizations to effectively meet the nation’s growing needs for the intelligent renewal and improved resilience of its aging infrastructure, in this case, bridges, from naturally-occurring phenomena and extreme events.
The MCEER-Calspan partnership will leverage the infrastructure-research skills of MCEER with the testing expertise of Calspan Corporation, internationally recognized for its rich heritage of innovation and proven excellence in technology and science.
Construction of the 72-foot long bridges will begin this fall, with a five-year test program scheduled to begin on July 1, 2010. Eleven concrete bridge girders donated by Hubbell Galvanizing of Utica, NY, have already been transported to the Ashford site.
Testing will chronicle the performance of seismic isolation technology over time and over a wide spectrum of temperatures and other environmental conditions. Seismic isolation decouples a structure from its foundation, effectively isolating it from damaging ground vibrations. The initial test program will examine the change in properties of elastomeric or rubber isolation bearings in a wide range of temperature settings. Bearings are being provided by Dynamic Isolation Systems, Inc., a world leader in the seismic isolation of bridges and buildings, with nearly 300 projects to its credit around the world.
Beginning in 2010, actuators simulating a low-intensity earthquake will stress the bridge each week, allowing researchers to collect data on how the damage affects the bridge.
The $750, 000 project is supported by funding from New York State and industry donations.
Former MCEER director and leader of MCEER’s Highway Project, George C. Lee, will serve as principal investigator of the project.
