MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Evaluation of Ice Loads on Bridge Sub-Structures in South Dakota
Authors:	Shiling Pei, Nadim I. Wehbe, and Brittney Ahrenstorff
University:	South Dakota State University
Publication Date:	Oct 2017
Report #:	MPC-17-335
Project #:	MPC-400, MPC-352
TRID #:	01653311
Keywords:	bridge substructures, dynamic loads, evaluation and assessment, ice, icing, statistical analysis

Abstract

A research study was conducted by South Dakota State University in cooperation with the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) to assess applicability of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design calculations for the dynamic ice loads on bridge structures in South Dakota. Ice loads were measured at two sites for two consecutive winters (2013 and 2014) using a monitoring system designed and tested in the J. Lohr Structures Lab at SDSU. Sites were selected based on previous ice thickness and strength measurements, water level heights during spring thaw, feasibility of installation, and discussion with SDDOT personnel. The recorded data were analyzed using statistical approaches to develop a probabilistic model of ice impact load level for each site. Distribution of the maximum ice load for both sites over a 75-year period was estimated. Based on these extreme ice load statistics, reliability indices were determined for the AASHTO formula ice load values. The reliability index showed that current load calculations adopted by SDDOT ensure a reasonably high reliability index for both sites based on the two years of data collected during the study. A recommendation was made regarding the calculation of small-stream ice load in South Dakota using the AASHTO formula. Additional data collection was also recommended for future studies.

How to Cite

Pei, Shiling, Nadim I. Wehbe, and Brittney Ahrenstorff. Evaluation of Ice Loads on Bridge Sub-Structures in South Dakota, MPC-17-335. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2017.