PI: Dan Frangopol
Co-PI(s): N/A
University: Lehigh University
Industry partner: Modjeski and Masters
Reliable and continuous operation of bridges is vitally important to transportation agencies. Most bridges in Pennsylvania have been servicing beyond their initial service design life. The main objective of this project is the investigation of the life extension of deteriorating steel bridges by using A709-50CR, a corrosion-resistant steel. Under this objective, the total life-cycle extension cost of carbon steel bridges by using maintenance-free steel for replacement will be investigated for different life extensions. Herein, replacement actions including the replacement of the whole superstructure will be investigated. The two objectives of the optimization problem are to minimize life-cycle maintenance costs and maximize the life extension. The research will be conducted at both individual bridge level and bridge network level. The proposed research is urgently needed. It will provide important information and guidance to Pennsylvania companies. Ultimately, the project will benefit the Commonwealth and the Nation in their commitment to solving the Grand Challenge set out by ASCE: "Reducing the life-cycle costs of infrastructure by 50 percent by 2025.”