NCHRP Project 20-5, Topic 32-08 "Cost Effective Structures for Off-System Bridges"

Principal Investigator:

Wayne Klaiber, klaiber@iastate.edu (other projects)

Co-Principal Investigator:

• Terry Wipf, tjwipf@iastate.edu (other projects)

Other Authors: Francesco M. Russo

Project Status: In Progress

Start Date: 04/01/2001
End Date: 06/30/2002

Reports:

• 07/01/2004, http://trb.org/publications/nchrp/nchrp_syn_327.pdf 4.3 mb (*pdf)

Research Objective: The nation’s transportation system includes not only the extensive National Highway System but also the local highway systems that provide important links in the transportation network. Bridges are an essential component of these local systems. The primary focus of this synthesis is on local or off-system bridge design, construction, maintenance, financing, rehabilitation,
and replacement. The definition of “off-system” can vary from place to place.
Off-system bridges in this report will refer to those bridges typically owned and maintained by local agencies (i.e., cities and counties) and by state agencies on rural and other low volume roads. Information was gathered from several sources, including a project survey, published literature, electronic media, personal contacts, and manufacturers of bridges or
bridge-related products. Several current practice areas that need improvement (e.g., design standards, replacement strategies, and maintenance) were also identified.

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