Developing a Research Roadmap for Highway Bridge Infrastructure Innovation: A Case Study
Abstract
1. Introduction
1.1. Previous Studies
1.2. Scope of the Research
- Conducting a comprehensive analysis of past and ongoing DOT-funded research projects from the past five years.
- Conducting a nationwide DOT funding and research survey.
- Performing a detailed assessment of ITD’s deficiently rated bridge inventory, including individual element condition states.
2. Methodology
2.1. DOT Project Evaluation and Prioritization
2.1.1. First Filtering Stage
- Projects that were not relevant to highway bridge research. These projects were included in the list simply because some of the search keywords matched. Examples include railway bridges, highway sign structures, and pavement research.
- Projects that involved training.
- Projects that did not apply to Idaho bridges. For example, research on the effect of tsunamis on bridges does not apply to Idaho bridges, since Idaho is not a coastal state.
2.1.2. Second Filtering Stage
- Projects that were part of the pooled funded projects, many of which ITD has contributed to in the past.
- Projects that were similar to the ones that were funded by ITD in the past.
- Projects that did not apply to ITD bridges but were overlooked (i.e., not identified) by the research team members. For example, ITD does not use composite tub (CT) bridge girders. Therefore, research projects on repairing CT girders were removed.
2.1.3. Third Filtering Stage
- Applicability to ITD’s Infrastructure: “Will the outcomes of the project directly benefit ITD’s bridge inventory?”
- The Need to Execute a Similar Project: “Is there a need for ITD to perform a similar project, given that the research is completed or in progress elsewhere?”
2.2. DOT Survey Questionnaire
2.3. Bridge Element Condition State Analysis
2.3.1. Data Collection and Construction
2.3.2. Feature Scaling
2.3.3. Development of Research Topics for ITD
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Phase I: DOT Project Evaluation and Prioritization
3.2. Phase II: DOT Survey Questionnaire
3.2.1. Response to Question 1
3.2.2. Response to Question 2
3.2.3. Response to Question 3
3.2.4. Response to Question 4
3.2.5. Response to Question 5
3.2.6. Response to Question 6
3.2.7. Summary of Key Findings Based on the Responses
3.3. Phase III: Bridge Element Condition State Analysis
- Deck elements (0–99);
- Superstructure elements (100–199);
- Substructure elements (200–299);
- Bridge Bearing Elements (310–316);
- Bridge Railing Elements (330–335).
4. Research Roadmap
4.1. Project A: Evaluation of ITD’s Bridge Deck Preservation Strategies
4.1.1. Description
4.1.2. Outcomes
- Reducing costs and construction time for ITD’s bridge deck preservation efforts;
- Providing improved bridge deck surfaces for public use;
- Enhancing safety by extending the deck’s service life and minimizing the frequency of construction activities related to overlays or deck replacements.
4.2. Project B: Implementation of Internal Concrete Curing (ICC) to Enhance Concrete Performance
4.2.1. Description
4.2.2. Outcomes
4.3. Project C: Development of More Reliable Camber Prediction for Prestressed Deck Bulb-T Girders
4.3.1. Description
4.3.2. Outcomes
4.4. Project D: Use of Non-Proprietary Ultra-High-Performance Concrete in Idaho Bridges
4.4.1. Description
4.4.2. Outcomes
4.5. Project E: The Impacts of Type IL Cement on Bridge Structures
4.5.1. Description
4.5.2. Outcomes
4.6. Project F: Bridge Deterioration Modeling
4.6.1. Description
4.6.2. Outcomes
5. Discussion
- Although this study utilized a database with a substantial number of features and target variables, the size of the database can be reduced through feature importance techniques. These techniques help identify and eliminate non-essential features. Notable methods include permutation feature importance [88], SHAP analysis [89], and Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME) [90]. After reducing the dataset, it can be customized to meet the specific needs of a DOT and refined with expert input.
- Collecting bridge condition ratings is often the most challenging task in data-scarce regions. However, advancements in technology and their increasing integration into the construction industry offer promising solutions. Modern structural health monitoring techniques such as deep learning–based image similarity analysis [91], AI-based Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) [15,92], and attention-enhanced co-interactive fusion networks (AECIF-Net) [93] can significantly aid in addressing these challenges.
6. Summary and Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
Appendix A
State | Response |
---|---|
Arizona | Bridge Design, Bridge Materials and Preservation. |
Arkansas | One area of focus is the use of uncoated weathering steel for superstructure elements. We have a relatively high inventory of weathering steel bridges and have noticed corrosion issues on some of the bridges. |
Colorado | Recent research focus areas include bridge rail, asset management, and bridge repairs. New MASH standards drove the focus on bridge rail, and an aging infrastructure plus a mostly static budget has driven the focus on asset management and bridge repairs. |
Delaware | We conduct research on an ad hoc basis, where we initiate research projects based on specific problems or questions that we need answers to. We also participate in pooled fund studies when there is a topic of interest. |
Iowa | (a) Bridge preservation: We have an aging infrastructure, and Iowa DOT is more focused on being a steward of existing assets than expansion. We want to make informed decisions that have the Least Lifecycle Cost. (b) BIM/Digital delivery: Iowa DOT recognizes the potential benefits of BIM/digital delivery for bridge projects for internal and downstream customers within and outside the DOT. (c) UHPC: The properties of the material lend themselves to structures that have reduced lifetime maintenance costs and improved safety for the public, contractors, and employees who perform bridge maintenance. (d) Load Rating: Load Rating has become more of a concern in the past 7–10 years with frequent changes to State and Federal legal permit loads. Many state bridges were designed below current design standards, and we need to ensure that with increased loading, the bridge is still safe for the traveling public. |
Kentucky | Metrics to prioritize bridges for potential projects, use of known loads and strain gages to aid in load rating bridges that have unknown plan sets, guidance on Spot and Zone Painting, a steel bridge Inventory and developed training for bridge preservation project inspection (concrete sealers, grease bearing, deck overlays). |
Minnesota | Current research projects that are underway: Develop Element Level Bridge Performance Measures and Targets, Understanding Causes of Concrete Culvert Pipe Joint Separation, Assessing the Need for Floodplain Culverts Based on Geomorphology, Ice Loading on Piers for Minnesota’s Bridges, Correlation Between Deck Patching Quantities and Chloride Concentration Levels, Understanding Driving Causes of Bridge Replacement, Deck Reinforcement Detailing and Concrete Mix Additives to Reduce Bridge Deck Cracking, Vehicle-Based Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) System Evaluating Rebar Cover on 198 Minnesota Bridges, Precast vs. Cast in Place Box Culverts. |
Mississippi | We have been focusing on prestress beams and seismic design. We are trying to identify areas we can refine or modify our design approach and achieve as good or better long-term results. |
Missouri | Our research generally follows our current needs. We don’t necessarily have focus areas, but reviewing our recent research projects, we are focusing primarily on construction and bridge preservation. |
Montana | UHPC applications including deck overlays, joints, and non-proprietary mixes. FRP applications focusing on best practices and potential timber girder repairs. Steel pile-to-pile cap connections—2/3 sized testing and design. Feasibility study of Road Culverts/Bridge Deck deicing using geothermal energy. Significant Factors of Bridge Deterioration. Evaluation of thin polymer overlays for Bridge Decks. |
Nebraska | Priority topics are to continue with our roadmap goals for UHPC (see attached), Preservation topics such as improving GPR NDT Inspection to be more useful when inspecting bridge with AC + waterproof membrane which is NDOT standard bridge preservation Overlay, Optimize Nebraska bridge deck concrete mix to achieve less shrinkage cracking by using less cement content. Also, we are experimenting with using Internal curing cement. |
New Jersey | (a) Safety, durability, resilience, and knowledge gaps, such as MASH implementation, weigh-in-motion, seismic and multi-hazard design, scour analysis, field monitoring of bridges and retaining walls, orthotropic steel decks, concrete decks, etc., which are all from practical needs of bridge design and construction. (b) High-performance internal curing concrete—The Bureau of Research is currently conducting a research project on HPIC. Extensive research has already been performed by other agencies and institutions. Bridge Division will not be conducting additional research, but is actively developing pilot projects. |
North Carolina | The current focus is on three areas: first is the use of innovative materials that provide resiliency, second is preservation activities/materials that increase structure lifecycles, and the third is asset management tools for programming structure preservation and/or replacements projects. |
Oklahoma | Prestress, UHPC, Dynamic impact factor, Temperature effects, Load rating, rebar corrosion. |
South Dakota | Bridge approach smoothness, bridge deck sealants, pile load testing. These are the current priorities of SDDOT. |
Tennessee | We have research efforts centered around seismic impacts on our bridge network, local UHPC, load rating, and pile performance and steel pile protection methods. We do research on areas that show repeated impacts on our bridge network or whose results can lower our risk exposure to certain events. |
Texas | Preserving assets, durability, increased speed of construction, new technologies (3D modeling, digital delivery, strengthening or rehabilitating current assets, etc.), refined design and evaluation methods (re-examining minimum reinforcement requirements for shear design in prestressed members), maintenance (designing bridges that calls for less maintenance and inspection), safety improvements. |
Utah | Fiber Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks. Bridge Deck Construction Research. Chloride Ion Ingress in Concrete Bridge Decks and Parapets. Lightweight Concrete Bridge Decks. Early Degradation in Bridge Deck Concrete. Bridge Decks with Partial-Depth Precast Deck Panels. Differential Settlement at Highway Bridge Approaches. Reinforced and Unreinforced Lightweight Cellular Concrete for Retaining Walls. |
Vermont | Focus areas change according to Agency needs. We have so few research dollars and can select so few projects; what gets matched to Champions is based on what our Champions think is important that year. |
Washington | Seismic resiliency and resiliency in general for bridge structures are likely to remain a high priority for WSDOT. This is because western WA falls in a high-risk subduction zone, and resiliency of our infrastructure is one of our WSDOT’s strategic goals. |
Wyoming | Internal curing concrete. Wyoming struggles to maintain optimum placement conditions with our low humidity and frequent winds—we hope to help mitigate some of these issues with internally cured concrete. |
State | Response |
---|---|
Arizona | Bridge Materials research with Ultra-High-Performance Concrete, though not implemented, has provided additional knowledge to potentially pursue in the future. |
Arkansas | ARDOT has recently begun investing more into the preservation, maintenance, and rehab of bridges. It may not be new research, but learning best management practices from other DOTs led to us utilizing more polymer overlays, hydro-demolitions, etc., when managing our bridge inventory. |
Colorado | MASH rail—Updated a bridge rail design to meet MASH standards. Timber bridge repair—developed a methodology for rating timber bridges with a newly implemented repair for split timber girder superstructures. Bridge deterioration models—using machine learning to develop deterioration models for bridges. |
Delaware | We performed a synthesis of jointless bridges to help better understand best practices for this type of detail after the poor performance of some details used on a corridor project. We also recently completed a study of the performance of different types of overlay materials over concrete and UHPC substrates with different surface preparation practices. Both of these were examples of specific issues we had on projects/programs and resulted in spec or detail changes. We also participated in the recently completed pooled fund study led by Ohio DOT related to structural liners of buried culverts. |
Iowa | (a) ABC research—there were a whole variety of pilot projects and lab tests that led to the pile pocket connection and our current ABC practices. We learned each step of the way and are fairly settled into lateral bridge slides now. (b) The UHPC research is similar to the ABC research in lots of pilots and tests to lead to routine implementation but maybe not quite as far along. The development of the non-proprietary UHPC mix I think was a big step that was recently completed and there is current work on a non-proprietary UHCP overlay mix. (c) The PPC beam camber research seemed influential with our current practices and the reduction factor. (d) We have done quite a bit with mass concrete that led to the improvement of our specifications and the Concrete Works program. |
Kentucky | No specific response was given, only a general response for Question 1. |
Minnesota | Due to the large number of projects it’s difficult to select just a few that had the most impact, but here are a few that were very beneficial: the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to conduct bridge inspections, re-tightening large anchor bolts of support structures for signs and luminaires, anchorage of epoxy-coated chemical adhesives, debonded strands in prestressed concrete bridge girders, and review and assessment of past MnDOT bridge barrier types, to name a few. |
Mississippi | We completed a study comparing design cambers vs. field-measured cambers. While there are formulas to determine prestress beam cambers, the final cambers that occur in the field are based on in-field concrete data and not design values. The research gathered data from a couple years’ worth of projects. We were able to use the data to modify formula values to help the calculated design values to better line up with what we are seeing in the field. This should help reduce construction issues of extra haunch thicknesses and grade modifications. |
Missouri | I don’t see a recent research project that has had a huge effect on our program. This may be partially due to lack of resources to fully implement research recommendations. |
Montana | Developed a non-proprietary Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) and implemented on two Montana bridges for critical bridge connections and joints. The joints have outperformed other grouts and concretes used in other bridges. |
Nebraska | The last research was very useful is Developing Nonproprietary UHPC mix for plant and cast in place use in addition to Nebraska family of UHPC Decked I beam (NDIB) standard. |
New Jersey | (a) Enhance the NJDOT’s Structural Management Activities (bridge deterioration curves, data mining and technical assistance for bridge and structural asset management systems, Life Cycle Cost Analysis within bridge management system (BMS), Risk Based Prioritization (RBP) work, Research in accordance with map 21 requirements, Develop guide document for preservation, deterioration, life cycle-cost and prediction models for ancillary structural assets. Research and innovate bridge predictive modeling methods for assessing bridge preservation best practices using AASHTOWare products). (b) Structural Load Capacity Analysis. (c) Innovative Material and Technology (Rapid Set Materials, Polyester Polymer Concrete, Structural Adhesives). |
North Carolina | The research project done in the past 5 years with the most impact for today has been a project that utilizes a repair system that can be rapidly installed by NCDOT maintenance crews to provide structural capacity until a bridge can be programmed for replacement. This system has been utilized several times now in NC and has allowed those bridges to remain open to the traveling public for a year or more while NCDOT has programmed their replacements. |
Oklahoma | Rebar corrosion study. |
South Dakota | We haven’t had completed bridge research in the past 5 years with implementation in place long enough to see the benefits. |
Tennessee | We did research on approach slab settlement and best practices to remedy the issue. To date, the revisions to our construction practices with approach slab installations have yielded positive results. |
Texas | Listed projects without identifying which ones had the “most impact”. The bridge research were: (1) Bridge Strengthening Design and Load Testing for a Continuous Steel Girder Bridge with Post Installed Shear Connectors, (2) Partial Depth Precast Concrete Deck Panels on Curved Bridges, (3) End Region Behavior of Pretensioned Concrete Beams with 0.7-inch Prestressing Strands, (4) Develop Strong and Serviceable Details for Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bent Cap Standards that can be implemented on everyday bridge construction projects, (5) Strengthening of Existing Inverted-T Bent Cap Ledges, (6) Evaluate Specialized Hauling Vehicles with regard to pavement and bridge deterioration and posting limits, (7) Designing for Deck Stress over Precast Panels in Negative Moment Regions, (8) Seismic Vulnerability and Post-Event Actions, (9) Integral Semi-integral Abutments and Implementation to TxDOT Bridges, (10) Establishing Comprehensive Manual on Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) Compliance for Roadside Safety Systems in Texas, (11) Single Slope Concrete Barrier (54” tall) on a Structurally Independent Foundation, (12) Evaluating Bridge Behavior using Ultra-High Resolution Next-Generation Digital Image Correlation(DIC): Applications in Bridge Inspection and Damage Assessment, (13) Strut-and-Tie Modeling and Design of Drilled Shaft Footings, (14) Calibration of Bridge Element Based Deterioration Models (Developing Deterioration Rates of Texas Bridges Using NBI Data). |
Utah | Polyester Polymer Concrete for Bridge Deck Overlays. Bridge Deck Chloride Testing Protocols. Influence of Wingwall Geometry and Skew Angle on Passive Force Behavior of Bridge Abutments from Large-Scale Testing. |
Vermont | No specific response was given other than this statement: “All of these have had some impact in Vermont. Benefits are mixed. Our bridge engineers are happy to experiment with new materials …” |
Washington | Use of Hollow Prestressed Concrete Pile-Columns for Bridges in Seismic Regions. Effects of Cascadia Subduction Zone M9 Earthquakes on Bridges in Washington State. Performance of Steel Jacket Retrofitted Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns in Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake. Safety of Long Girders During Handling and Transportation: Lateral Stability and Cracking. |
Wyoming | No specific response was given. Only provided a list of projects, presumably the projects that were funded in the last five years. |
State | Response |
---|---|
Arizona | Collaboration with ADOT Staff, Universities and Industry Professionals. |
Arkansas | We do not have a formal process. Multiple sections/divisions/districts are concerned with bridge maintenance and construction issues. Based on the issue and needs, we discuss what research should be prioritized. |
Colorado | To my knowledge, we have no formal process. Needs are identified throughout the year as issues arise and prioritized based on perceived benefit to CDOT. |
Delaware | Discussion among myself (Chief of Bridges and Structures) and the 3 group managers (Design, Management, and Maintenance/Construction). We generally only have 1–2 research topics at a time so there is rarely any prioritization among bridge research needed. |
Iowa | The Bridges and Structures Bureau has an annual meeting with the focus of discussing research needs. Other Bureaus, including Construction and Materials, Research and Analytics, and some researchers are invited, and research ideas that affect bridge are proposed, discussed, and prioritized. Ideas that do not make it through this year can be carried forward to next year meeting. |
Kentucky | No response was given. |
Minnesota | The MnDOT Office of Research & Innovation hosts an open solicitation seeking research needs with final ideas/needs due in March of each year. A committee of area experts from the Bridge Office and districts review and prioritize the bridge & hydraulics-related ideas. |
Mississippi | Our research is typically in response to issues we are seeing in the field. We are either trying to modify our design to alleviate the issue or trying to save construction time and costs. |
Missouri | There is no process. We have yearly meetings with our research partners to discuss potential research needs. |
Montana | Typically, informal methods involving communication between bridge and asset owners, researchers, and bridge engineer leads us to research. Typically, the successful research projects are selected because they address problem areas identified in the aging bridge inventory. |
Nebraska | Nebraska collaborates with the university of Nebraska academia on all level. We have open communication that the researches can present their ideas, and we present our needs based on yearly meeting to meet short- and long-term needs and strategy. |
New Jersey | Research for future improvements and benefits to structures (improved durability, reduced maintenance, increased service life, increased safety for public, simplify construction techniques). |
North Carolina | NCDOT’s Research Unit provides information on how projects are identified and prioritized on their website: https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/research/Pages/default.aspx (accessed on 25 May 2024) |
Oklahoma | Ranking the different research projects. |
South Dakota | Bridge research needs are lumped in with other research needs in the department when it comes to prioritizing. |
Tennessee | We actively participate in AASHTO CBS technical committees and will gather topics for research based on those national discussions with the research slanted toward TDOT-specific applications or TN based materials or environment. |
Texas | TxDot breaks our research topics into five areas of expertise. One area is called Structures and Hydraulics (S&H), which encompasses bridge related research. We start every research cycle by collecting ideas and distributing the ideas to the appropriate group, so bridge related ideas go to the S&H group. The experts in S&H vote on all the S&H project ideas to determine what is of greatest need. We fund and manage the projects with the highest expressed need. This is a bit of an oversimplification of the process, but many layers of experts must agree on the need before we move forward to RFP the idea. |
Utah | The bridge program prioritizes research outcomes which are immediately implementable with a focus on preserving infrastructure. In recent years we have been working toward durability goals with concrete materials. |
Vermont | We are interested in current needs matched with a technical Champion. If a Champion is energized, the project is included in our process and Bureau Director level managers choose the projects that are most important to AOT. |
Washington | Bridge SMEs identify and prioritize needs within WSDOT’s Bridge & Structures office and develop proposals internally or in conjunction PI’s from universities that have the expertise and facilities in these areas. Usually, the top 2–3 proposals are then forwarded to the WSDOT Research office for consideration every biennium to “compete” for selection and funding through the SPR program. |
Wyoming | Current issues—Our program may see common issues that need to be investigated further. Design implementation to ensure future compliance—Future MASH compliance. Bridge Management System—Our program relies heavily upon our BMS—which will help guide our future resource as we may see more bridge replacements in the future compared to rehabilitation. |
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Project Number | Project Name | Ave. Ranking |
---|---|---|
1 | Determination of Actual Derailment Loads on Transit Bridges | 0.2 |
2 | Practices to Enhance Resiliency of Existing Culverts | 2.4 |
3 | Evaluation of Coating Materials Using Accelerated Laboratory Weathering Test Protocol | 1.0 |
4 | Assessing the Need for Floodplain Culverts Based on Geomorphology | 0.6 |
5 | Performance Testing of GRS Test Piers Constructed with Florida Aggregates—Axial Load Deformation Relationships | 0.6 |
854 | Design Optimization and Monitoring of Joint-less Integral and Semi-Integral Abutment Bridges in Nebraska | 3.2 |
855 | Monitoring Transportation Structure Integrity Loss and Risk with Structure-From-Motion | 1.4 |
856 | New Seismic-Resisting Connections for Concrete-Filled Tube Components In High-Speed Rail Systems | 1.6 |
857 | Crushed Hydraulic Cement Concrete Adjacent to Underdrains | 1.0 |
858 | Evaluation of Bridge Rail Systems to Confirm AASHTO MASH Compliance | 1.6 |
Project Number | Project Name | Yes/No |
---|---|---|
7 | Development of a Research Roadmap for ITD Bridge Section | Yes |
36 | Use of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites for Bridge Repairs in Montana | Yes |
44 | Evaluate Bridge Deck Condition and Replacement Methods | Yes |
67 | Construction of Low-Cracking High-Performance Bridge Decks Incorporating New Technology | Yes |
198 | Rapid Post-Earthquake Displacement-Based Assessment Methodology for Bridges Phase I | No |
241 | Identification of Maintenance Practices to Impede Corrosion Impacts on Prestressed Concrete Box Beam Bridges | Yes |
575 | Durable Bridges Using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer and Hybrid Reinforced Concrete Columns | No |
686 | Development of Bridge Load Testing Program for Load Rating of Concrete Bridges | No |
758 | Assessment of Asbestos Containing Materials in Idaho Bridges | Yes |
801 | Repair Methods for Corrosion-Damaged Prestressed Concrete Girders | No |
Category | Number of Projects |
---|---|
Construction Materials | 18 |
Bridge Decks | 19 |
Bridge Management/Preservation | 4 |
Inspection and Monitoring | 5 |
Design and Load Rating | 16 |
Rehabilitation and Repair | 16 |
Miscellaneous | 1 |
Question (#) | Subject Area | Question |
---|---|---|
1 | Bridge research priorities | What are the focus areas or priority topics for current and future bridge research at your DOT? Why are you focusing your efforts in these areas? |
2 | Recent impactful research on bridges | What research completed in the last 5 years has had the most impact on your state DOT’s bridge program? What was implemented and what benefits resulted from these projects? |
3 | Bridge research prioritization process | What process does your bridge program follow for identifying and prioritizing bridge research needs? |
4 | Bridge funding allocation | Please estimate the percentage of funding for current bridge research in your agency that is allocated to each of the main bridge component categories, including deck, superstructure, substructure, railing, and others. |
5 | Bridge funding allocation | Please estimate the percentage of funding for current bridge research in your agency that is allocated to each of the main bridge program activities, including design, construction, preservation, inspection, load rating, and others. |
6 | Bridge TPF funding | What percentage of the current bridge research funding in your agency supports bridge-related Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) projects? |
STRUCNUM | EN | TOTALQTY | CS1 | CS2 | CS3 | CS4 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Count | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 | 53 |
Mean | 10,012.87 | 308.79 | 16,190.77 | 13,853.57 | 2040.40 | 72.51 | 224.30 |
SD | 10.73 | 156.14 | 39,747.18 | 38,107.16 | 9925.55 | 339.64 | 1058.11 |
Min. | 10,000.00 | 12.00 | 14.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Q1 | 10,000.00 | 215.00 | 75.00 | 10.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Q2 | 10,010.00 | 310.00 | 306.00 | 98.00 | 10.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Q3 | 10,027.00 | 510.00 | 6063.00 | 2100.00 | 247.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Max. | 10,027.00 | 521.00 | 191,228.00 | 181,728.00 | 71,235.00 | 2000.00 | 7040.00 |
DISTRICT | MATERIAL | DESIGN | SPANS | MAXSPANLEN | LENGTH | YEARBUILT | DKRATING | SUPRATING | SUBRATING | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Count | 181 | 181 | 181 | 181 | 181 | 181 | 181 | 181 | 181 | 181 |
Mean | 3.55 | 1.70 | 1.26 | 2.18 | 51.20 | 114.97 | 1955.07 | 5.43 | 4.97 | 4.24 |
SD | 1.74 | 1.45 | 2.08 | 1.96 | 43.38 | 127.82 | 21.52 | 1.21 | 1.10 | 1.22 |
Min | 1.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 13.00 | 24.00 | 1908.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Q1 | 2.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 26.00 | 34.00 | 1936.00 | 5.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 |
Q2 | 4.00 | 1.00 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 35.00 | 60.00 | 1960.00 | 6.00 | 5.00 | 4.00 |
Q3 | 5.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 3.00 | 58.00 | 152.00 | 1970.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 5.00 |
Max | 6.00 | 5.00 | 9.00 | 12.00 | 250.00 | 689.00 | 2012.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 | 7.00 |
DISTRICT | MATERIAL | DESIGN | SPANS | MAXSPANLEN | LENGTH | YEARBUILT | CULVRATING | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Count | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Mean | 3.00 | 0.80 | 10.00 | 2.60 | 27.60 | 45.00 | 1970.80 | 4.00 |
SD | 1.22 | 0.45 | 0.00 | 1.52 | 37.59 | 28.52 | 22.13 | 0.00 |
Min | 1.00 | 0.00 | 10.00 | 1.00 | 6.00 | 21.00 | 1940.00 | 4.00 |
Q1 | 3.00 | 1.00 | 10.00 | 1.00 | 7.00 | 30.00 | 1959.00 | 4.00 |
Q2 | 3.00 | 1.00 | 10.00 | 3.00 | 10.00 | 39.00 | 1973.00 | 4.00 |
Q3 | 4.00 | 1.00 | 10.00 | 4.00 | 21.00 | 41.00 | 1986.00 | 4.00 |
Max | 4.00 | 1.00 | 10.00 | 4.00 | 94.00 | 94.00 | 1996.00 | 4.00 |
Rank | Project Title | Sponsor | Overview |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Reduce Concrete Cracking Through Mix Design | New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) | The project aims to reduce early shrinkage cracking in concrete by optimizing the mix design. Since cracking during construction compromises long-term durability by allowing moisture and salts to penetrate, NHDOT seeks to develop a more resistant mix to minimize corrosion and deterioration. Success in this effort could make exposed decks and cost-effective construction methods more viable for bridge maintenance. To evaluate performance, NHDOT plans to test the new mix on standalone concrete structures, such as sidewalks and slabs [26]. |
2 | Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) Mitigation in High Alkali Content Cements | Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) | This project aims to update VDOT’s alkali–silica reaction (ASR) guidelines for concrete, as the current standards rely on a withdrawn ASTM test method. VDOT plans to revise its ASR provisions to assess the alkali content of the entire concrete mix rather than just cement [27]. |
3 | Evaluate Bridge Deck Condition and Replacement Methods | Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) | This project focuses on addressing aging bridge decks in Texas, where many have exceeded their service life and show soffit cracking. Since the superstructures and substructures remain in good condition, TxDOT aims to develop efficient deck assessment and replacement strategies to minimize costs [28]. |
4 | Mitigation Strategies for Cracking in Concrete Bridge Decks | Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) | This project aims to investigate and prevent concrete cracking as part of the MaineDOT’s previous research. To advance this goal, researchers studied cracking mitigation strategies [29]. |
5 | Alkali-Silica Reaction Mitigation using Alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials | New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) | Due to the increasing difficulty in sourcing class F fly ash, which is required in New Mexico to mitigate alkali–silica reactions (ASR), NMDOT has sponsored research at Louisiana State University to test alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The focus is on two materials: natural pozzolan from within the state and metakaolin. These will be tested for workability, strength, and durability, with the goal of developing guidelines for their use to ensure effective ASR mitigation and extend the availability of these alternative SCMs [30]. |
6 | Implementation of Bridge Preservation Actions | AAHSTO | This project aims to organize workshops for state DOTs and relevant local agencies to implement bridge preservation practices based on AASHTO publications. The project will involve several tasks: (1) drafting an outline for content, format, and delivery; (2) submitting a report for task 1; (3) compiling necessary materials; (4) testing a pilot instructor-led workshop at a state DOT; (5) gathering and applying feedback from the pilot workshop; (6) creating web-based modules; (7) determining the number and locations of workshops based on funding; (8) conducting the remaining workshops; and (9) submitting final deliverables [31]. |
7 | Computer Vision Tools for Bridge Inspections and Reporting | Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) | The project aims to develop AI-based tools that improve the accuracy, consistency, and speed of bridge evaluations. By using a simple photo and AI prediction, inspectors can identify and assess damage or defects [32]. |
8 | Precast Pier System for Accelerated Bridge Construction in Idaho | Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) | This project tested a precast concrete pier system with new connection methods designed to support moments at column connections. The new connections, which use structural tubes filled with concrete at plastic hinge locations, aim to reduce construction time and improve seismic performance. Testing compared precast and cast-in-place cantilever pier columns, showing that precast columns performed better in seismic tests, with greater drift cycles, higher deflections, higher moment capacity, and better energy dissipation [33]. |
9 | Durability and Volumetric Stability of Non-Proprietary Ultra High-Performance Concrete Mixes Batched with Locally Sourced Materials | North Dakota State University | North Dakota State University is researching the development of non-proprietary ultra-high-performance concrete to reduce costs, particularly for bridge closure pours, by using locally sourced materials. This approach will lower transportation and acquisition costs. To ensure the new NP UHPC maintains the performance of traditional UHPC, it will undergo various tests to assess its durability and volume stability [34]. |
10 | Establishing Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Protocols for Use in Early Age Bridge Deck Preservation Strategies | FHWA | This project aims to develop protocols for deck preservation strategies, with a focus on early-age vulnerability detection. The project is divided into two stages: Stage one involves collecting data on specified bridges using a specialized vehicle to measure cracks and deck permeability. The data will then be analyzed to prioritize maintenance needs. Stage two focuses on validating the data through inspection report comparisons and using the results to develop data-driven preservation strategies for bridge decks at various stages of their service life [35]. |
11 | Evaluation of Bridge Rail Systems to Confirm AASHTO MASH Compliance | AASHTO | In 2016, the AASHTO technical committee introduced the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) to evaluate roadside safety features. Since many bridge rail systems were built before this update, there is a need to reassess these systems to meet MASH standards. This research aims to revise the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Manual and the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide to ensure MASH compliance [36]. |
12 | Testing and evaluation of energy absorbing panels for over-height collision impact protection | FHWA | To address vehicle collisions, a major cause of bridge failure, seven states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and Virginia, have funded a project to test, install, and evaluate a new prototype system. This system aims to dissipate vehicle kinetic energy by crushing and deforming an internal honeycomb lattice mounted on an exterior girder face. After being tested through theoretical modeling, the system now requires physical testing before installation. The project focuses on determining the best installation methods, verifying the effectiveness of system, and validating the theoretical model with extensive testing [37]. |
13 | Construction of Low-Cracking High-Performance Bridge Decks Incorporating New Technology | FHWA | This research explores the use of internal curing with supplementary cementitious materials and Low-Cracking High-Performance Concrete (LC-HPC) specifications to reduce cracking in bridge decks and extend their service life. The study identified and tested practical mixture proportioning procedures for LC-HPC and fine lightweight aggregate (FLWA) handling [38]. |
14 | Significant Factors of Bridge Deterioration | Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) | This project aims to address challenges in developing Montana-specific bridge element deterioration curves. These challenges include identifying factors such as climate, traffic weight, construction, maintenance, and management practices, as well as issues with the bridge element rating scale and insufficient data for substandard ratings. Once solutions are identified, the results will be integrated into existing deterioration models to enhance forecasting accuracy [39]. |
15 | Development of Deterioration Curves for Bridge Elements in Montana | Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) | This research was conducted to develop bridge element deterioration curves for integration with AASHTO’s bridge management software (BrM). The deterioration curves were created for six key bridge elements, including steel girders, concrete abutments, steel culverts, reinforced concrete decks, prestressed concrete girders, and concrete culverts, based on MDT maintenance priorities. The models were validated using input from MDT bridge engineers, and variations in deterioration patterns across five maintenance districts in Montana were also explored [40]. |
16 | Feasibility of 3D Scanning Technology for Bridge Inspection and Management | Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) | The aim of this project is to create an automated framework that analyzes 3D scanned data to assess the condition and capacity of bridge components [41]. |
17 | Vision-Based Detection of Bridge Damage Captured by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles | Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) | The purpose of this research is to offer a more reliable method for bridge inspections using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These UAVs will gather data to generate 3D models of bridges, while AI will be used to detect and assess damage to bridge components [42]. |
18 | Aerial Infrared Scanning of Bridge Decks for Detecting and Mapping Delamination | FHWA | Infrasense Inc. conducted research to evaluate the potential of using aerial imaging for deck condition assessments. Using aerial infrared thermography (aerial IF) and visual imaging data from a fixed-wing aircraft, Infrasense collected data on bridges along Alaska’s Parks Highway [43]. |
19 | Improved Beam End Reinforcement Details for PCBTs with Debonded and/or Draped Strands | Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) | The research aims to enhance guidance on increasing stress limits for beam ends with debonded or draped strands based on a thorough literature review, DOT surveys, finite element modeling, and testing [44]. |
20 | Internal Curing of Bridge Decks and Concrete Pavement to Reduce Cracking | Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) | This research aims to develop tools, guidance, and specifications for implementing internal curing in concrete bridge decks. With the push for high-performance concrete over the past two decades, it was found that its low water-to-cement ratio makes it prone to early-age cracking. Internal curing, which provides moisture through aggregates, fibers, or polymers, was used to mitigate this issue. This study showed improved volumetric stability with a 0.36 water-to-cement ratio, with minimal effects at 0.45. The research concluded that internally cured concrete could extend bridge deck service life, and recommendations for WisDOT’s specifications were provided [45]. |
21 | Data-Driven Decision-Making Framework for Inspection of Bridge Decks | Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) | This project aims to enhance existing bridge inspections, as per the National Bridge Inspection Standards. The focus is on exploring alternative inspection methods using advanced technology, which will improve traditional inspections by providing consistent and additional data to inform maintenance decisions [46]. |
22 | Low-Cement Concrete (LCC) Mixtures for Bridge Decks and Rails | Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) | This project expands on research conducted by the University of Nebraska, which in 2021 developed a low-cement concrete mix for bridge decks and rails. The mix aimed to reduce cement content while maintaining similar properties to previous mixes but faced issues with workability, curing time, bleed rate, and air entrainment. This project seeks to resolve these problems and validate the mechanical and durability properties of mix by incorporating internal curing and liquid fly ash [47]. |
23 | Accelerated Sulfate Attack Testing for Concrete | University Transportation Centers Program | The aim of this project is to develop a faster, more reliable method for testing sulfate attack on concrete. Currently, ASTM C1012 requires up to 18 months to assess sulfate resistance, so the project aims to shorten this time while achieving similar results. It begins with a literature review, studies the impact of supplementary cementitious materials on sulfate attacks, and explores alternative testing methods. The findings will be followed by experimental testing and validation [48]. |
24 | Repair and Strengthening of Bridge Girders using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) | Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) | The purpose of this project is to explore the use of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete for strengthening bridge girders. Building on two previous NDOT-sponsored studies focused on reducing UHPC costs and creating guidelines for cast-in-place (CIP) use, this research concludes that the superior performance of UHPC can also be applied to bridge girder repair and strengthening [49]. |
25 | Influence of Nanomaterials-based Admixtures on the Entrained Air Void System and Freeze-Thaw (FT) Resistance of Concrete | Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) | This research focused on four objectives: (1) assessing the impact of nanosilica admixtures on the air-void properties of bridge concrete, (2) testing how air-void characteristics affect freeze–thaw resistance, (3) exploring how variations in production methods influence concrete durability, and (4) investigating the effects of non-traditional air entrainment products in concretes containing nanosilica admixtures [50]. |
State | Impactful Research Topic |
---|---|
Arizona | UHPC |
Arkansas | Preservation, maintenance, and repair |
Colorado | MASH rail |
Delaware | Jointless bridges/overlay materials |
Iowa | Accelerated bridge construction |
Minnesota | UAS for bridge inspections |
Mississippi | Prestressed beam camber |
Montana | Non-proprietary UHPC |
Nebraska | Non-proprietary UHPC |
New Jersey | Structural management, including deterioration curves |
North Carolina | Bridge repair |
Oklahoma | Rebar corrosion |
Utah | Polyester polymer concrete (PPC) for bridge deck overlays |
Tennessee | Approach slab settlement |
Texas | Bridge design |
Washington | Prestressed concrete pile columns |
Rank | Element ID | Element Name | No. of Bridges | Combined Weighted CS3 and CS4 (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | E215 | Reinforced Concrete Abutment | 155 | 2.51 |
2 | E220 | Reinforced Concrete Pile Cap/Footing | 51 | 1.28 |
3 | E210 | Reinforced Concrete Pier Wall | 37 | 1.25 |
4 | E311 | Movable Bearing | 40 | 1.10 |
5 | E120 | Steel Truss | 23 | 0.73 |
6 | E205 | Reinforced Concrete Column | 35 | 0.69 |
Rank | Topic |
---|---|
1 | Evaluation of ITD’s Bridge Deck Preservation Strategies |
2 | Implementation of Internal Concrete Curing (ICC) to Enhance Concrete Performance |
3 | Development of More Reliable Camber Prediction for Prestressed Deck Bulb-T Girders |
4 | Evaluation of Alternative Thin Deck Overlay Materials for Newly Constructed Bridges with Deck Bulb-T Girders |
5 | Use of Non-Proprietary Ultra-High-Performance Concrete in Idaho Bridges |
6 | The Impacts of Type IL Cement on Bridge Structures |
7 | Bridge Deterioration Modeling |
8 | Increasing the Life of Concrete Bridge Components Using Protective Coatings |
9 | Load Ratings of Deteriorated Bridges |
10 | Creation of a Prioritization Program for all Deficiently Rated Bridges Within Idaho |
11 | Alternative Materials for Deck Reinforcement |
12 | Revaluation of Idaho’s Legal Vehicles |
13 | The use of Advanced Materials in Idaho Bridges |
14 | Utilization of Lightweight Concrete in Prestressed Beams |
15 | Utilization of FRP Rebars in Bridge Decks with Corrosive Environments |
16 | Evaluation of Steel Finger Joint Failure |
17 | Over-height Load Impacts |
18 | Utilization of MIRA for Assessing Bridge Deck Delamination |
19 | Development of a Program to Select the Optimal Repair and Preservation Methods |
20 | Scour Evaluation of Idaho Bridges |
21 | Optimizing Bridge Hydraulic Evaluations |
22 | Development of Eco-friendly Construction Materials for Idaho Bridges |
23 | Development of Prestressing Precast Concrete Stiffleg Bridges and Culverts |
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Ebrahimpour, A.; Baibordy, A.; Ibrahim, A. Developing a Research Roadmap for Highway Bridge Infrastructure Innovation: A Case Study. Infrastructures 2025, 10, 133. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10060133
Ebrahimpour A, Baibordy A, Ibrahim A. Developing a Research Roadmap for Highway Bridge Infrastructure Innovation: A Case Study. Infrastructures. 2025; 10(6):133. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10060133
Chicago/Turabian StyleEbrahimpour, Arya, Aryan Baibordy, and Ahmed Ibrahim. 2025. "Developing a Research Roadmap for Highway Bridge Infrastructure Innovation: A Case Study" Infrastructures 10, no. 6: 133. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10060133
APA StyleEbrahimpour, A., Baibordy, A., & Ibrahim, A. (2025). Developing a Research Roadmap for Highway Bridge Infrastructure Innovation: A Case Study. Infrastructures, 10(6), 133. https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures10060133