MPC
Project Details

Title:	Full-Scale Laboratory Testing of a Timber Railroad Bridge-Continuation
Principal Investigators:	Richard M. Gutkowski
University:	Colorado State University
Status:	Completed
Year:	1999
Project #:	MPC-179

Abstract

This continuation project is being conducted in the Structural Engineering Laboratory at Colorado State University (CSU). A full-scale laboratory test specimen will essentially replicate (in size) a chord of an existing three span bridge that was previously field load tested in the field before and after its strengthening. The specimen will involve fully connecting all the caps and all ties and the steel rail, as a stand-alone specimen fully replicating the field construction techniques, too. The laboratory specimen reduces some of the site-specific support conditions that complicate understanding of the behavior of this type of bridge as compared to existing code design procedures. After load testing the specimen, it will be strengthened with an additional stringer ply and retested to examine the changes in response. Load tests will be conducted using existing (at CSU) load frame and hydraulic actuator capability. Displacement and strain will be measured at predetermined locations during load testing. These results will provide an improved understanding of the behavior of the timber trestle bridge and the consequences of strengthening and retrofit methods.