Response-Based Parameter Estimation for Determining Unknown Bridge Foundations

Evaluation of bridges for vulnerability to scour or other potential sources of damage requires knowledge of foundation conditions beneath piers and abutments that are often unknown. INFRASENSE proposed to develop and demonstrate a response-based parameter estimation method (RPEM) which will address the need for a simple, low-cost system for unknown foundation evaluation. The RPEM system is based on conventional strain and rotation measuring devices whose data are used to compute a stiffness matrix [K] for the unknown foundation, which is then matched with values previously determined for known foundations. The system will be simple in design and available for use by highway agencies and by the consulting engineering and testing community. The Phase I program addresses the feasibility of (1) making the required strain and rotation measurements on piers and abutments subjected to truck and thermal loadings: and (2) developing software which can compute the unknown foundation characteristics from this measured data. These objectives will be achieved by field testing coupled with analytic modeling and simulation.