MCEER Highway Project Research
Improving
the seismic performance and reliability of the nation's highway system is the
overall aim of MCEER's Highway Project. The project was
initiated in the fall of 1992 with two Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
contracts totaling more than $14 million. In 1998, MCEER received an
additional 6-year, $10.8 million FHWA contract to expand on work begun in 1992. Research
is augmented by additional contracts from FHWA and other agencies.
The project uniquely examines the impact of earthquakes on the highway system
as an integrated network, rather than a collection of individual roads, bridges,
embankments, tunnels, etc. Projects seek to ensure the usability of highways
following earthquakes, by improving performance of all interconnected components.
Overall goals are to improve understanding of the seismic hazards to highways
and to improve and develop analysis methods, screening procedures and additional
tools, retrofit technologies, design criteria, and other approaches to reduce
seismic vulnerability of existing and future highway infrastructure.
Studies examine:
- seismic hazards and ground motion
- soils and foundations
- structural systems and components
- performance criteria
- analysis and design issues
- intelligent and protective systems
In all, MCEER highway research involves more than 40 investigators from over
20 institutions throughout the United States.
Seismic Retrofitting Manual for Highway Structures: Parts I and II