| dc.description.abstract | In 2013, the University of Oklahoma, together with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), started a feasibility study of GRS-IBS, which had been promoted by the FHWA as a cost-effective solution to repair and/or rebuild bridges with spans that were primarily shorter than 25 m (80 ft). This technology also eliminates the “bump at the end of the bridge”, which reduces the maintenance/repair cost of bridges without an integrated approach roadway. The purpose of this study was to continue the work by Hatami et al. (2016) and Ngo (2016) by performing the following tasks: (1) continuing the survey of documented GRS-IBS in the U.S., (2) performance (i.e. settlement) monitoring of six bridges (i.e. four GRS-IBS and two conventional) that were built in Kay County, OK within a one-mile segment of 44th Street near Blackwell, OK (Hatami et al., 2016; Ngo, 2016); (3) developing a numerical model for the analysis of GRS-IBS systems; and (4) developing the framework for an interactive online database for all of the documented GRS-IBS projects surveyed in this study (some 144 projects). The database of documented GRS-IBS projects in the U.S. (with the ancillary online website upon completion) together with the numerical simulation tool is helpful to ODOT and other departments of transportation in examining the costs and benefits of GRS-IBS as a potential solution for future bridge construction projects in Oklahoma and other states. Currently, GRS-IBS has been proven to be a cost-effective solution for bridge spans less than 25 m (80 ft) on county and local roads only. However, it is expected that through further development of this technology, and continued reports of its successful performance, its use and acceptance across the country will become more widespread. | en_US |
