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Importance of Substructure Evaluation

Inspection Case Studies and Techniques

Introduction

Elise M. Love, P.E. Michigan Technological University

B.S. Civil Engineering (Structural) 2007

M.S. Civil Engineering (Structural) 2009

Joined WJE in 2009

Professional Engineer in MI and OH

NHI Course 130055 – Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges (NBIS-qualified team leader)

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE)

Founded in 1956

Architects, Engineers, and Material Sceintists

Troublehsoot Problems with Buildings and Other Structures

27 Offices Nationwide (Headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois)

Janney Technical Center

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Introduction

Recognize the importance of substructure evaluation

Identify techniques for improving routine substructure inspection

Understand the effect of substructure deterioration on structural capacity

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Learning Objectives

Visual

Sounding

Measurement of deficiencies (L x W x D)

Deficiencies: Cracking, spalling, scaling, delaminations, honeycombs, internal steel corrosion, overloading, wear, collision damage, and abrasion

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Routine Techniques - Concrete

Visual

Corrosion product removal (hammer, wire brush, and/or grinding)

Section loss measurement (calipers and/or UT gauge)

Deficiencies: Corrosion, fatigue cracking, overloading, collision damage, and coating failures

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Routine Techniques - Steel

Visual

Sounding

Probing

Drilling

Deficiencies: Inherent (checks, splits, shakes, knots), fungi, decay, crushing, insects, marine borers, loose connections, collision damage, wear, abrasion, overstress, and fire damage

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Routine Techniques - Timber

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Routine Techniques - Timber

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Case Study #1

Bridge Description-Span(s): 3Span Length: 15’-6”|14’-6”|15’-6”Deck Width: 17’-0”Deck: Timber planksSuperstructure: Timber multi-beamSubstructure: Timber piles and capsWearing Surface: 5” bituminous

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Case Study #1 - Substructure

Bent 3-Pile 1 (12”φ x 3’ Long)

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Sounding

Probing

Drilling

1'-0"

2'-0"

N/A

A

B

A B2”

8”

2”

8” No decayModerateAdvancedSevere

. .

Fc’=2.06 ksi 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟2=113 in2

(2.06ksi)(113 in2)=233 k

Section A:𝐴 = 𝜋(𝑟1

2−𝑟22)=62.8 in2

(2.06ksi)(62.8 in2)=129 k

45% loss in capacity

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Case Study #1 - Substructure

Bent 3-Pile 1 (12”φ x 3’ Long)

A B2”

8”

2”

8” No decayModerateAdvancedSevere

. .

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Case Study #1 - Substructure

Bent 2-Pile 1 (10”φ x 3’ Long)

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Sounding

Probing

Drilling

1'-6"

N/A

A

A B2”

3”

2”

2”

No decayModerateAdvancedSevere

B

3”. .

2”

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Case Study #2

Bridge Description-Span(s): 3Span Length: 19’-0”|19’-0”|19’-0”Deck Width: 28’-3”Deck: P/C concrete (integral with

superstructure)Superstructure: P/C concrete channel beamsSubstructure: Timber piles with concrete capsWearing Surface: Integral with deck and

superstructure

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Case Study #2 - Substructure

Bent 3-Pile 6 (12”φ x 12’-6” Long)

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Sounding

Probing

Drilling

6'-0"

3'-0"N/A

A B

12” ≤6” ≤9” No decayModerateAdvancedSevere

A

B

C 3'-6". .

C

2” 3”.

≥7”

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Case Study #2 - Substructure

Bent 1-Pile 3 (12”φ x 5’ Long)

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Sounding

Probing

Drilling

5'-0"

N/A

A 8”

No decayModerateAdvancedSevere

.

A

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Case Study #3

Bridge Description-Span(s): 1Span Length: 30’-0”Deck Width: 19’-0”Deck: Timber planksSuperstructure: Steel multi-beamSubstructure: Timber piles and capsWearing Surface: 6” gravel

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Case Study #3 - Substructure

Bent 2-Pile 1 (12”SQ x 1’-6” Long)

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Sounding

Probing

Drilling

1'-6"N/A

A

2” No decayModerateAdvancedSevere

A

.

10”

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Case Study #3 - Substructure

Bent 2-Pile 2 (12”SQ x 2’ Long)

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Sounding

Probing

Drilling

2'-0"N/A

A

3” No decayModerateAdvancedSevere

.

9”

A

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Case Study #3 - Substructure

Bent 2-Pile 3 (12”SQ x 5’ Long)

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Sounding

Probing

Drilling

5'-0"N/A

A

6” No decayModerateAdvancedSevere6”

A

.

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Case Study #3 - Substructure

Bent 2-Pile 5 (12”SQ x 5’-6” Long)

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Sounding

Probing

Drilling

3'-0"

N/A

A4”

No decayModerateAdvancedSevere

4-6”

A

B2'-6"

B 12”

.

2”.

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Case Study #4

Bridge Description-Span(s): 3Span Length: 40’-0”|80’-0”|40’-0”Deck Width: 27’-3”Deck: CIP ConcreteSuperstructure: Steel multi-beamSubstructure: Steel piles and concrete capsWearing Surface: Integral with deck

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Case Study #4 - Substructure

Bent 2

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Corrosion productremoval

Section loss measurement

-Pile 4N (HP10x42 x 18’ Long)

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Case Study #4 - Substructure

Bent 2

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Corrosion productremoval

Section loss measurement

-Pile 3N (HP10x42 x 18’ Long)

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Case Study #4 - Substructure

Bent 2

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Corrosion productremoval

Section loss measurement

-Pile 2N/S (HP10x42 x 18’ Long)

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Case Study #4 - Substructure

Bent 2

Inspection Techniques

Visual

Corrosion productremoval

Section loss measurement

-Pile 1N/S (HP10x42 x 18’ Long)

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Case Study #4 - Substructure

Bent 2

Sometimes, beauty is only skin deep…

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” – Charles Dickens

“A very little key will open a very heavy door.” –Charles Dickens

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Summary

Questions?

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Thank You!For More Information Please Contact:Elise Love, P.E.Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.(c) 248-514-4993elove@wje.com

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Offices Nationwide | www.wje.com