Theodore P. Zoli

New Bridge Forms Composed of Modular Bridge Panels

AbstractPanelized bridge systems (e.g., Bailey, Mabey Johnson, Acrow) are intended for girder-type bridges and have been implemented for military, civilian, and disaster relief applications. Design challenges, however, include material efficiency (span squared per number of panels), lateral bracing, and achieving longer spans. These challenges are addressed by investigating the promise of implementing panels in new configurations with longer spans and evaluating bracing strategies. Three new forms (Pratt truss, bowstring truss, and network tied arch) composed of standard length panels, with shapes determined based on geometric considerations and structural performance (resistance to buckling), are presented. A parametric study evaluates lateral bracing strategies for girder-like and column-like configurations. The promise of the new forms, also incorporating the developed bracing strategy, is demonstrated through finite element analyses. Following this investigation using a standard length panel, an optim...

Behavior of an Adjustable Bolted Steel Plate Connection during Field Installation

AbstractThis paper presents a bolted steel plate connection to join steel members at a range of angles with the capability of adjusting in situ to accommodate additional angles or tolerances throug...

A Simple Structure Supports a Complex Habitat in Wildlife Crossing Design

Ecologists, landscape architects, and bridge and structural engineers do not work together often enough, and this paper illustrates the advantages of collaboration in the design of the next generation wildlife crossing. The process and details of collaboration are as unique as the solutions included in the award winning entry for the ARC International Wildlife Crossing Infrastructure Design Competition. This article illustrates the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration, how ecological restoration was foundational to the design, and how all parties worked to develop a new and innovative highway crossing for wildlife.

Analysis of Eiffel’s Maria Pia Bridge

Between 1875 and 1877, G. Eiffel & Cie designed and built the Maria Pia Bridge in Porto, Portugal. Original analyses included dead load and three positions of static live loads. The dynamic effects of a train crossing the bridge were not considered. This paper will discuss the original calculations and present a dynamic analysis of a train crossing. The authors used Structural Analysis Program to perform finite element analyses and to calculate the mode shapes and frequencies. DynamAssist calculates the dynamic impact factors and force-time histories. This study found low dynamic impact factors for train velocities less than 200kph (124mph). Stresses in the arch under the highest speed train are negligibly different from a quasi-static case. Stresses from superimposed dead and impact loads do not exceed the allowable stress and a comparison with original static live loadings shows the original calculations captured the behavior of a train crossing.