Performance and Design of Bridge Approach Panels in Wisconsin

Project Details
STATE

WI

SOURCE

TRID

START DATE

08/01/13

END DATE

02/01/15

RESEARCHERS

Brent Phares, Justin Dahlberg

SPONSORS

Jim Parry, WisDOT

KEYWORDS

Bridge approaches

Project description

This research is aimed to improve constructability and performance of approach slabs in Wisconsin and to determine if three expansion joints are needed or the newer design method will result in better performance. The objective is achieved by completing a national state-of-the-practice review, comparing the results of that review to current WisDOT practice, conducting a detailed on-site information collection campaign, and engineering-based reporting. The results of this research will develop a better understanding of the field performance of approach panels and recommended design changes including new standard design drawings, specifications, and construction/material manual changes that lead to improvements in performance, cost, and constructability of approach panels.
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