Bridge Research

As one of NHDOT's most valuable assets, bridges have been a primary focus of the NHDOT research program. Bridge materials, monitoring methods, condition assessment, and maintenance methods have been the subject of research projects

Bridge-related Research Provides Solutions

 

ACTIVE: Reduce Concrete Cracking through Mix Design (42372M)

Using Data Analytics to Forecast Future Bridge Condition (26962V)

  • Researcher: University of New Hampshire
  • Date: 2021
  • Final Report

Evaluation of Thermion SafTrax TH604 Metallizing Coating System (EF 2016-01)

  • Researcher: University of New Hampshire and New Hampshire Department of Transportation
  • Date: 2020
  • Final Report

Reducing Cracking in New Bridge Curbs (26962P)

Structural Support for Tidal Energy Conversion at the Memorial Bridge (26962G)

Gusset-less Truss Connection Physical and Structural Model to Aid Bridge Inspection and Condition Assessment (26962M)

Instrumentation, Digital Image Correlation, and Modeling to Monitor Bridge Behavior and Condition (15680L)

Assessment of Cathodic Protection System on I-89 (26962D)

The Future of Rapid Bridge Deck Construction (15680X)

Evaluation of an Automated Bridge Anti-Icing System (13733G)

Transverse Joint Configuration Development and Testing for a Modular Bridge Deck Replacement System (14282T)

  • Researcher: University of New Hampshire
  • Date: 2011
  • Final Report

In-Service Performance Monitoring of a CFRP Reinforced HPC Bridge Deck in Rollinsford, NH (14282I)

  • Researcher: University of New Hampshire
  • Date: 2010
  • Final Report

Alternative Approach Slab Reinforcement (13733H)

  • Researcher: New Hampshire Department of Transportation
  • Date: 2010
  • Final Report

Estimation of Flood Discharges at Selected Recurrence Intervals for Streams in New Hampshire (14282F)

Field Evaluation of the Poly-Carb Flexogrid and Stirling Lloyd SafeTrack HW Overlay Systems (EF 2004-02 & EF 2005-02)

  • Researcher: New Hampshire Department of Transportation
  • Date: 2008
  • Final Report

Precast Concrete Deck Panel Performance on Long Span, High Traffic Volume Bridges (13733D)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for Delineating Bridge Deck Repair Areas (12323S)

  • Researcher: Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc., and New Hampshire Department of Transportation
  • Date: 2002
  • Final Report
  • Related Poster

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to Detect Pre- and Post-Flood Scour in NH (12323E1)

  • Researcher: U.S. Geological Survey
  • Date: 2000
  • Final Report

Pier-Scour Measurement Methods and Predictions at New Hampshire Bridge Sites (12323E)

  • Researcher: U.S. Geological Society, New Hampshire/Vermont District
  • Date: 2000
  • Final Report

Concrete Cover Determination using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) (12845)

Bridge Deck Evaluations using High Speed Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) (95-5)

Note: this research was conducted in the early 1990's and is included on this Web site because of its value to subsequent research on GPR.

The DECAR system (DEck Condition Assessment using Radar) to survey asphalt- overlaid bridge decks at highway speed was developed, implemented, and tested. Three network surveys representing 44 bridge decks were carried out along Interstates 89 and 93 in New Hampshire. It was shown that groups of bridge decks could be successively surveyed at highway speed during a continuous round trip over the survey route, and that production rates of 10 to 20 decks per day could easily be achieved. Of the 44 decks surveyed, 19 were evaluated during replacement or repair to determine actual deck condition. The radar deterioration predictions (% deteriorated area) were compared to the actual conditions with a correlation (R2) of 0.81 and a standard error of 4.4% of the total deck area. When radar data were used to classify the decks into one of four categories, the radar results were accurate 93% of the time.

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Demonstration Project and Bridge Deck Test Facility (12323F)

  • Researcher: University of New Hampshire
  • Date: N/A

Researchers investigated the properties and performance of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcing for Portland Cement Concrete through a series of field and laboratory tests. A bridge deck test facility was designed and constructed at the entrance to a Rochester, NH, landfill managed by Waste Management, Inc. The test facility allows for the simultaneous testing of numerous concrete mixes and/or configurations of reinforcing materials. High truck traffic, an existing truck scale, and a nearby weather station enhance data collection at the site. Access to heavy equipment and the cooperation of the landfills management staff facilitated the project. The test facility has been utilized in subsequent projects including research related to high performance concrete (HPC).

The base of a salt storage facility in Newmarket, NH, was constructed with FRP reinforced concrete. Constructability issues were investigated and documented in order to provide recommendations for future construction with FRP.