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Abstract for presentation (Poster or Podium) with a Paper in the Conference Proceedings

Data Sensing and Analytics

Performance Evaluation of Bridge Approach Slabs and Joints Through Sub-mm 3D Laser Imaging System

Monday, June 17, 2024
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM ET
Room: Galleria
Abstract: Bridge approach slabs often experience differential settlement due to a higher settlement of embankment than bridge abutment under traffic. Severe differential settlement produces bumps and distress at approach slabs and joints, leading to ride discomfort and safety risks to public travelers. Surveying the condition of approach slabs and joints is crucial to evaluate the field performance of current designs and countermeasures to reduce approach bumps and distress throughout the lifespan of approach slabs. In this study, a total of 377 bridges located across Oklahoma with different designs and conditions of approach slabs were surveyed. The recent Pave3D 8K system featuring sub-mm 3D laser technology and inertial profiler was used to collect the 2D/3D images and inertial data from these bridges for evaluating approach bump and distress. Based on the bump levels of all approach slabs, the performance of the slab design, including slab length and skew angle, and bump mitigation method via asphalt overlay were evaluated. The results show that (1) approach slabs with lengths of 60 ft to 80 ft yield the least level of bumps; (2) approach slabs with a skew angle of 60˚ or departure slabs with 120˚ show less severe bumps than those with other angles; (3) asphalt overlay is an effective method to minimize the bumps at bridge ends connecting with flexible pavement.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees can expect to learn the following from this session:
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to know the advantage of Sub-mm 3D Laser Imaging technology
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to know the performance of the slab design, including slab length and skew angle, and bump mitigation method via asphalt overlay.
  • Upon completion, participant will be able to know the application of Sub-mm 3D Laser Imaging technology for Performance Evaluation of Bridge Approach Slabs and Joints at highway speed