Automated Recording of Bridge Inspection Data in the Pontis Format Final Report, HR-364 April 1995

A large percentage of bridges in the state of Iowa are classified as structurally or fiinctionally deficient. These bridges annually compete for a share of Iowa's limited transportation budget. To avoid an increase in the number of deficient bridges, the state of Iowa decided to implement a comprehensive Bridge Management System (BMS) and selected the Pontis BMS software as a bridge management tool. This program will be used to provide a selection of maintenance, repair, and replacement strategies for the bridge networks to achieve an efficient and possibly optimal allocation of resources. The Pontis BMS software uses a new rating system to evaluate extensive and detailed inspection data gathered for all bridge elements. To manually collect these data would be a highly time-consuming job. The objective of this work was to develop an automated-computerized methodology for an integrated data base that includes the rating conditions as defined in the Pontis program. Several of the available techniques that can be used to capture inspection data were reviewed, and the most suitable method was selected. To accomplish the objectives of this work, two userfriendly programs were developed. One program is used in the field to collect inspection data following a step-by-step procedure without the need to refer to the Pontis user's manuals. The other program is used in the office to read the inspection data and prepare input files for the Pontis BMS software. These two programs require users to have very limited knowledge of computers. On-line help screens as well as options for preparing, viewing, and printing inspection reports are also available. The developed data collection software will improve and expedite the process of conducting bridge inspections and preparing the required input files for the Pontis program. In addition, it will eliminate the need for large storage areas and will simplify retrieval of inspection data. Furthermore, the approach developed herein will facilitate transferring these captured data electronically between offices within the Iowa DOT and across the state.

Precast Concrete Elements for Accelerated Bridge Construction Final Report, Volume 1-1. Laboratory Testing of Precast Substructure Components: Boone County Bridge, January 2009

In July 2006, construction began on an accelerated bridge project in Boone County, Iowa that was composed of precast substructure elements and an innovative, precast deck panel system. The superstructure system consisted of full-depth deck panels that were prestressed in the transverse direction, and after installation on the prestressed concrete girders, post-tensioned in the longitudinal direction. Prior to construction, laboratory tests were completed on the precast abutment and pier cap elements. The substructure testing was to determine the punching shear strength of the elements. Post-tensioning testing and verification of the precast deck system was performed in the field. The forces in the tendons provided by the contractor were verified and losses due to the post-tensioning operation were measured. The stress (strain) distribution in the deck panels due to the post-tensioning was also measured and analyzed. The entire construction process for this bridge system was documented. Representatives from the Boone County Engineers Office, the prime contractor, precast fabricator, and researchers from Iowa State University provided feedback and suggestions for improving the constructability of this design.

Precast Concrete Elements for Accelerated Bridge Construction Final Report Volume 2. Laboratory Testing, Field Testing, and Evaluation of a Precast Concrete Bridge: Madison County Bridge, January 2009

The importance of rapid construction technologies has been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Iowa DOT Office of Bridges and Structures. Recognizing this a two-lane single-span precast box girder bridge was constructed in 2007 over a stream. The bridge’s precast elements included precast cap beams and precast box girders. Precast element fabrication and bridge construction were observed, two precast box girders were tested in the laboratory, and the completed bridge was field tested in 2007 and 2008.

Precast Concrete Elements for Accelerated Bridge Construction Final Report Volume 3. Laboratory Testing, Field Testing, and Evaluation of a Precast Concrete Bridge: Black Hawk County,v January 2009

The importance of rapid construction technologies has been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Iowa DOT Office of Bridges and Structures. Black Hawk County (BHC) has developed a precast modified beam-in-slab bridge (PMBISB) system for use with accelerated construction. A typical PMBISB is comprised of five to six precast MBISB panels and is used on low volume roads, on short spans, and is installed and fabricated by county forces. Precast abutment caps and a precast abutment backwall were also developed by BHC for use with the PMBISB. The objective of the research was to gain knowledge of the global behavior of the bridge system in the field, to quantify the strength and behavior of the individual precast components, and to develop a more time efficient panel-to-panel field connection. Precast components tested in the laboratory include two precast abutment caps, three different types of deck panel connections, and a precast abutment backwall. The abutment caps and backwall were tested for behavior and strength. The three panel-to-panel connections were tested in the lab for strength and were evaluated based on cost and constructability. Two PMBISB were tested in the field to determine stresses, lateral distribution characteristics, and overall global behavior.

Use of Remote Sensing for Collection of Data Elements for Linear Referencing Systems, 2001

This report evaluates the use of remotely sensed images in implementing the Iowa DOT LRS that is currently in the stages of system architecture. The Iowa Department of Transportation is investing a significant amount of time and resources into creation of a linear referencing system (LRS). A significant portion of the effort in implementing the system will be creation of a datum, which includes geographically locating anchor points and then measuring anchor section distances between those anchor points. Currently, system architecture and evaluation of different data collection methods to establish the LRS datum is being performed for the DOT by an outside consulting team.