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Technology Sharing Initiative (TSI) – Iowa Summary of Takeaways and Ideas for Sharing

April 15-17, 2015

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Infrastructure

Office of Asset Management, Pavement and Construction Construction Management Team

By: Romeo R. Garcia

Bridge & Tunnel Construction Engineer

In Partnership with: Chris Cromwell

Iowa Division Bridge Engineer

Maria Drozd Maine Division Bridge Engineer

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

INTRODUTION & PURPOSE of TSI 5

GENERAL APPROACH TO CONDUCTING THE TSI 5

SUMMARY OF KEY TAKEAWAYS - IDEAS FOR SHARING 6

Successful Practices 6

Standard Designs for State and County Bridges 6

Accelerated Bridge Construction 6

Maintenance, Preservation, Rehabilitation, Inspection, and Rating Practices 7

Bridge Maintenance Manual 7

Weathering Steel Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Techniques 7

Preparation of Plans for Repair of Bridges 7

Bridge Inspection Manual 7

Bridge Load Rating Manual 7

Emergency Response Manual 7

Ancillary Structures / Light Towers 8

Research Activities 8

Special Investigations 10

ISU Structures Lab Visit 11

Projects Visited / Highlights 12

IOWA DOT ITEMS OF INTEREST AND/OR NEED 14

Ends of Pre-stressed Concrete I-Beams/ Options for addressing corrosion issues 14

Training in use of NDE technologies 14

Full-depth Deck Cracking – Causes (concrete beams vs steel beams) 14

UAV bridge inspection technologies 14

Involvement in ABC training events/activities 14

MEETINGS AND ATTENDEES 14

Iowa DOT Bridge Office and & ISU Meeting – April 16, 2015 14

ISU Structures Lab Visit – April 16, 2015 15

Visit to 3 Iowa Bridge Projects – April 15, 2015 15

FHWA Division Office Meeting – April 17, 2015 15

APPENDIX A – IOWA TSI AGENDA 16

APPENDIX B – DISCUSSION GUIDE 17

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Technology Sharing Initiative (TSI)

Iowa

April 15-17, 2015

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The construction management team within the Office of Infrastructure, Office of Asset Management,

Pavements and Construction has embarked upon a “Technology Sharing Initiative” (TSI) within the area of

bridges and structures. The TSI consists of visits to select states across the country for the purpose of

identifying underutilized market ready technologies and/or best practices including current research activities

that may be shared with others.

This report documents the second of such visits which took place in Iowa on April 15-17, 2015.

SUMMARY OF TAKEAWAYS – IDEAS FOR SHARING:

The following bridge design and construction technologies, best practices, and research activities were shared

by Iowa DOT representatives.

Successful Practices

Standard Designs for State and County Bridges

Iowa has been successfully utilizing standard bridge plans since about 1915 (old truss standards) for

both State and County owned bridges. The use of these standards has resulted in much savings in both

time and cost to prepare project plans.

Accelerated Bridge Construction

Someone once said that “policy is what closes the gap between innovation and deployment”. Iowa has

a very active and successful ABC program owed in part to a well-documented policy on ABC as well as a

very active ABC research program.

Maintenance, Preservation, Rehabilitation, Inspection, and Rating Practices

Iowa has recently developed a Bridge Maintenance Manual which provides excellent information and

guidance to bridge maintenance personnel. The manual is very well organized and easy to follow.

In addition to the manual noted above, Iowa Dot has completed a study on “Assessment of

Weathering Steel Bridge Performance in Iowa and Development of Inspection and Maintenance

Techniques”. The combination of identified inspection and maintenance techniques provides for an

excellent preservation strategy for weathering steel bridges.

Additionally, Iowa has developed very detailed guidance on the preparation of plans for the repair

(rehabilitation) of bridges. The guidance includes much information on proper identification and

evaluation of needed repairs for all bridge elements.

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As a compliment to the Bridge Maintenance Manual noted above, Iowa has also recently developed

manuals on Bridge Inspection, Rating, and Emergency Response, all of which provide excellent

information and guidance in these areas of the overall bridge program.

Ancillary Structures / Light Towers

As a result of a collapse of a 140 foot High Mast Lighting Towers (HMLT) in Sioux City, Iowa in

November of 2003, Iowa has performed various investigations and research on the behavior and

design of these structures including retrofit options. As a result of these studies, various HMLTs have

been retrofitted in Iowa.

Research Activities

Iowa has a very active and significant highway and bridge research program coordinated through the

Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB) which was established in 1949 by the Iowa State Highway

Commission. The membership of IHRB consists of State, County, and Municipality Engineers, as well as

representatives from both Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. Included in this report is a

summary of recent research activities in the area of bridges and structures supported by the IHRB and

which may be of special interest to other States.

Special Investigations

In addition to the research activates noted above, Iowa DOT shared some information about various

bridge related “Special Investigations” that they have conducted which are included in this report and

which may be of special interest to other States.

ISU Structures Lab Visit

Three separate ABC related research activities were observed during a visit to the ISU Structures Lab

and are described in the report.

Projects Visited / Highlights

Three separate bridge projects were visited for the purpose of getting acquainted with how bridges are

built in Iowa. These bridge visits are described in the report along with items of general interest.

Iowa Items of interest and/or need

Iowa expressed an interest in receiving information on the following items:

Ends of Pre-stressed Concrete I-Beams/ Options for addressing corrosion issues

Training in use of NDE technologies

Full-depth Deck Cracking – Causes (concrete beams vs steel beams)

UAV bridge inspection technologies

Involvement in ABC training events/activities

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Technology Sharing Initiative (TSI)

Iowa

April 15-17, 2015

INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE OF TSI

The construction management team within the Office of Infrastructure, Office of Asset Management,

Pavements and Construction has embarked upon a “Technology Sharing Initiative” (TSI) within the area of

bridges and structures. This TSI consists of a tour of select states across the country for the purpose of

identifying underutilized market ready technologies and/or best practices including current research activities

that may be shared with others.

There are currently a number of initiatives underway that are aligned to accomplish such transfer and sharing of information. The programs listed below all provide avenues or opportunities for sharing of technologies & best practices. This TSI is intended to serve as a compliment to these well-established programs:

Innovative Bridge Research and Development (IBRD)

Innovative Bridge Research and Construction (IBRC)

Highways for Life (HLF)

Every Day Counts (EDC)

State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) Incentive

Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2)

In selecting states for this TSI, there is no specific criterion for making such a selection. Rather, the selection is

mostly based on the availability of the states to share what’s going on in their states within the area of bridges

and structures. Otherwise, states are being selected somewhat at random with the goal that they will

represent a good mix of states in terms of geographical location and size of bridge program (small, medium

and large). Under this TSI, plans are currently underway to perform tours of about 6 to 10 states by the end

of 2015.

This report documents the second of such visits which took place in Iowa on April 15-16, 2015.

GENERAL APPROACH TO CONDUCTING THE TSI:

Each TSI consist of a two to three day visit of the selected states with assistance provided by the Division

Bridge Engineer in organizing and setting up the agenda for the visit.

The agenda for the visit over the 2 or 3 day period may be set up in consideration of the following possible

activities or other activities that may present themselves as opportunities to take advantage of:

Visit the FHWA Division Office to meet with the Division Administrator & Assistant Division Administrator (including the Division Bridge Engineer/Technology Lead and other interested staff members)

Visit with the State DOT Bridge Office (including the Bridge Standards Unit and Office of Bridge Research)

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Visit with a State Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) center

Visit with a bridge research facility (e.g. University that is working closely with State DOT)

Visit with a local steel or concrete fabrication plant

Visit with a local or regional Associated General Contractors (AGC) Office

Visit an active or recently completed Design-Bid-Build (DBB), Design-Build (DB), Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), or Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects as time permits

To stimulate or provoke a discussion about the characteristics of the bridge program within a given state a

“Discussion Guide” consisting of 17 possible areas of discussion is provided ahead of the visit. There is no

expectation that all 17 areas will be covered during the visit and there is no expectation that written responses

be provided by the host state. However, any written responses or narratives about specific bridge

technologies or practices are much appreciated.

The agenda developed for the Iowa TSI is included in Appendix A.

The discussion guide is included in Appendix B.

SUMMARY OF TAKEAWAYS – IDEAS FOR SHARING:

The following bridge design and construction technologies, best practices, and research activities were shared

by Iowa & ISU representatives (some web site links are provided for further information):

Successful Practices

Standard Designs for State and County Bridges

Iowa has been successfully utilizing standard bridge plans since about 1915 (old truss standards) for

both State and County owned bridges. Current standard plans are mostly for single and 3 span

concrete slab, pre-stressed concrete I-beam, and rolled steel beam bridges for various widths and

length. On the average, a time savings of about 30% (local system can be much higher) is realized as a

result of the use of these standards. All counties use standard plans in some form. On the other hand,

about 90% of state projects utilize standard details (not complete designs). These standards can be

found on the Iowa Bridge website at: http://www.iowadot.gov/bridge/index.htm#

Accelerated Bridge Construction

Someone once said that “policy is what closes the gap between innovation and deployment”. Iowa has a very

active and successful ABC program owed in part to a well-documented policy on ABC as well as a very active ABC

research program. The link below takes us to Iowa’s policy on ABC. The policy is very well rounded and contains

an excellent decision making flowchart and process for the identification of opportunities to utilize

ABC. http://www.iowadot.gov/bridge/policy/08-00-00AbcLRFD.pdf . Additionally, please see section below

under “Research Activities” for various ABC related research that has been conducted in Iowa.

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Maintenance, Preservation, Rehabilitation, Inspection, & Load Rating Practices

Iowa has recently developed a Bridge Maintenance Manual which provides excellent information and

guidance to bridge maintenance personnel. Common problems and consequences of poor

maintenance as well as repair procedures are outlined and described in the manual for all bridge

elements such as deck joints, decks, overlays, drainage systems, railings, bearings, superstructures,

substructures, approaches & approach slabs and other miscellaneous bridge elements. The manual is

very well organized and easy to follow. This manual can be found at:

https://siims.iowadot.gov/IowaDOT_BridgeMaintenanceManual_01JAN2014_FINAL.pdf

In addition to the manual noted above, Iowa Dot has completed a study on “Assessment of

Weathering Steel Bridge Performance in Iowa and Development of Inspection and Maintenance

Techniques” which is found at:

http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2013/fullreports/Iowa_Weathering_Steel_Final_Repo

rt_2-21-2013.pdf The combination of identified inspection and maintenance techniques provides for

an excellent preservation strategy for weathering steel bridges.

Additionally, Iowa has developed very detailed guidance on the preparation of plans for the repair

(rehabilitation) of bridges. The guidance includes much information on proper identification and

evaluation of needed repairs for all bridge elements. This guidance is found in Chapter 12 of their

bridge design manual at the following link: http://www.iowadot.gov/bridge/policy/12-01-

00RepairLRFD.pdf

Iowa has also recently developed a Bridge Inspection Manual which provides excellent information

and guidance to bridge inspection personnel. The manual documents policies and procedures for

bridge inspection and is intended to ensure uniformity and the use of best practices in the inspection

of bridges. The manual is very well organized and easy to follow. This manual can be found at:

https://siims.iowadot.gov/IowaDOT_BridgeInspectionManual.pdf

In the addition to the manuals noted above, Iowa has also recently developed a Load Rating Manual

which serves as an excellent supplement to the AASHTO Manual on Bridge Evaluation. The manual

documents policies, guidelines and procedures for load rating and posting of bridges. The manual is

very well organized and easy to follow. This manual can be found at:

https://siims.iowadot.gov/IowaDOT_BridgeRatingManual_01JAN2014_FINAL.pdf

Last but not least, Iowa has developed an Emergency Response Manual for Over Height Collisions to

Bridges which should be of particular interest to other states as the occurrence of such collisions is

quite common across the country. The manual provides guidance on desired procedures following an

over height collision and is well organized and easy to follow. The manual can be found at:

https://siims.iowadot.gov/IowaDOT_EmergencyResponseManualForBridges.pdf

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Ancillary Structures / Light Towers

As a result of a collapse of a 140 foot High Mast Lighting Towers (HMLT) in Sioux City, Iowa in

November of 2003, Iowa has performed various investigations and research on the behavior and

design of these structures including retrofit options. In most cases, failure of HMLT structures has

been the result of wind load-induced fatigue cracking, generally found at the baseplate-to-column

weld, hand-hole detail, and to a lesser extend anchor rods. As a result of these studies, various HMLTs

have been retrofitted in Iowa. Some related studies are documented in the following presentation and

reports:

Iowa’s High-Mast Lighting Towers: A Proactive Approach to a Problem.

http://www.iowadot.gov/bridge/special_projects/hmlp_pres.pdf

Field Instrumentation and Testing of High-Mast Lighting Towers in the State of Iowa. Draft Final

Report January 2006

http://www.iowadot.gov/bridge/special_projects/hmlp_high_mast_draft_final_report.pdf

Field and Laboratory Studies on High-Mat Lighting Towers in Iowa (Proceedings of Mid-Continental

Transportation Research Symposium, Ames, Iowa August 2007)

http://www.iowadot.gov/bridge/special_projects/hmlp_connor_tower.pdf

NCHRP Report 718 Fatigue Loading & Design Methodology for High Mast Lighting Towers, December

2012 http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_718.pdf

Research Activities

Iowa has a very active and significant highway and bridge research program coordinated through the

Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB) which was established in 1949 by the Iowa State Highway

Commission. The membership of IHRB consists of State, County, and Municipality Engineers, as well as

representatives from both Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. Listed below is a summary

of recent research activities in the area of bridges and structures supported by the IHRB and which may

be of special interest to other States. Additional information on these research activities is included in

the “Annual Report of the IHRB” http://www.iowadot.gov/research/pdf/IHRBAnnualReport.pdf and

research reports are available at www.iowadot.gov/research/reports.html . Additional links are

noted for some of the research activities.

Iowa ABC Connections

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=-1728428988

Connection Details of Adjacent Precast Concrete Box Beam Bridges

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=407500380

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Testing of Multi-Performance Level Box Beam Standards

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=1280880961

Design and Performance Verification of a Bridge/Column/Footing/Pile System for Accelerated Bridge

Construction (ABC)

Standards for Single Span Prefabricated Bridges – Concept Development

http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2014/fullreports/TR-663_final.pdf

Structural Characterization of a UHPC Waffle Bridge Deck and its Connections

http://publications.iowa.gov/17917/2/IADOT_InTrans_Aaleti_Structural_Characterization_UHPC_Waffle_Bridge

_Deck_2014_summary.pdf

Connection Details and Field Implementation of UHPC Piles - Phase II: Use of Ultra-High Performance

Concrete in Geotechnical and Substructure Applications

Development of Self-Cleaning Box Culvert Design - Phase II (This technology has very wide application

and is very promising.)

http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2009/abstracts/TR%20545%20Tech%20Brief.pdf

Mitigation of Sedimentation at Multi-Box Culverts

An Adaptive Field Detection Method for Bridge Scour Monitoring Using Motion-Sensing Radio

Transponders (RFIDs)

Development of Cost-Effective Timber Bridge Repair Techniques

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=832816113

Laboratory and Field Evaluation of a Composite Glue-Laminated Girder to Deck Connection

Study of the Impacts of Implements of Husbandry on Iowa Bridges

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=1264789457

Maintenance and Design of Steel Abutment Piles in Iowa Bridges

Methods for Removing Concrete Decks from Bridge Girders

Evaluation and Testing of a Light-Weight Fine Aggregate (LWA) Concrete Bridge Deck

Investigation of Negative Moment Reinforcing in Bridge Decks

Investigation of the causes of Transverse Bridge Deck Cracking

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=-1280787962

Evaluate the Need for Longitudinal Median Joints in Bridge Decks on dual Structures

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Investigation of Field Corrosion Performance and Bond/Development Length of Galvanized

Reinforcing Steel

Updating Bridge Rails on Low Volume Roads in Iowa

http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2010/abstracts/TR-592%20Tech%20Brief.pdf

Special Investigations:

In addition to the research activates noted above, Iowa DOT shared some information about the

following “Special Investigations” that they have conducted and which may be of special interest to

other States:

Feasibility Study for Detection and Quantification of Corrosion in Bridge Barrier Rails

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=-1697246975

Evaluation of Hand Held Infrared Cameras for Bridge Deck Inspection

http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2013/fullreports/Hand-

held%20Infrared%20Camera%20Evaluation.pdf

Evaluation of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing for Bridge Inspection

http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2013/fullreports/Phased%20array%20UT.pdf

Iowa Mass Concrete for Bridge Foundations Study – Phase II

http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2014/abstracts/mass_concrete_ii_t2.pdf

Fatigue life evaluation (Load testing/Remaining service life/Retrofit alternatives)

Demonstration of Load Rating Capabilities through Physical Load Testing 2013

http://publications.iowa.gov/14920/

Development of Bridge Load Testing Process for Load Evaluation

http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2003andolder/fullreports/tr445.pdf

Retrofit Methods for Distortion Cracking Problems in Plate Girder Bridges

http://www.iowadot.gov/research/reports/Year/2003andolder/fullreports/tr436.pdf

Performance of Cathodic Protection Systems

Performance of Deck Reinforcing (Expoxy/Galvanized/Mixed)

Bridge Deck Condition Assessment Using Non-Destructive Testing Methods

http://www.iowadot.gov/bridge/nondestructive_test.htm

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ISU Structures Lab Visit

The following structures research activities were observed at the ISU Structures lab:

Connection Details of Adjacent Precast Concrete Box Beam Bridges

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=407500380

Design & Performance Verification of Bridge Column/Footing/Pile System For ABC

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=-909977509

Evaluate the panel-to-panel connection detail that will be used in Little Silver Creek Bridge.

http://www.bec.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=-1776566093

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Projects Visited:

As part of this TSI, 3 Iowa projects were visited for the purpose of getting acquainted with how bridges

are built in Iowa. These bridge visits are described below along with items of general interest:

First project visited was in the in Des Moines Urban Area: NHS-U-1945(409)-8G-77, new alignment of

Martin Luther King Boulevard from SE 15th Street to SE 30th Street consisting of new grade for a 4-lane

divided roadway and PCC pavement for the EB lanes. The work includes two single span bridges for

grade separated railroad crossing, a multi-use trail/sidewalk, storm sewer, water service, and sanitary

sewer.

During this visit, one of the bridges was nearing completion and the second bridge was being prepared

for a concrete deck placement. All deck elements appeared to be appropriately assembled and ready

for concrete placement.

Noticed slender reinforcement in barrier – attractive design – friendly re-bar cage.

http://www.iowadot.gov/bridge/standards/english/EnglishDeckRailBridges.pdf

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Second project visited was in Des Moines –

This was existing bridge BR 505025 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy over the Des Moines River.

This bridge is multi girder pre-stressed concrete I beam bridge with intermediate steel diaphragms and

concrete end diaphragms. Noticed steel plate embedded in bottom flange of pre-stressed concrete I

girders as part of bearing assembly. Some states use this type of detail, while others do not embed any

metal in the bottom flange but rather rely strictly on the use of an elastomeric pad. This is a State

preference. The bearing assembly appeared to be functionally very well.

This bridge is a very aesthetically pleasing bridge.

Third project was a rural bridge deck replacement project including some painting and minor rehab of

the steel superstructure located on IA 316 over Des Moines River (BRFN-316-3(14)—39-17). Deck

forming operations were underway with some rehab of superstructure members during this visit. All

work appeared to be safe and well done.

Noticed nicely stockpiled and well protected epoxy coated reinforcing steel.

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IOWA DOT ITEMS OF INTEREST AND/OR NEED

Iowa DOT is interested in receiving information in following areas:

Ends of Pre-stressed Concrete I-Beams

As a result of issues with deterioration of the ends of pre-stressed concrete girders, Iowa DOT is

exploring options for protecting the ends of the girders to provide for better protection of the pre-

stressing strands which are cut flush with the end of the beam as part of the fabrication process/detail.

Training in use of NDE technologies

Iowa DOT is also interested in receiving in-depth training in the use of specialized NDT methods for

bridge inspection, including the use of ultrasonic testing and underwater sonar testing equipment as

well as expectations on the use of the equipment.

Full-depth Deck Cracking

Iowa DOT is interested in determination of causes for full-depth deck cracking of bridge decks as

related to type of superstructure (e.g. concrete/bulb tee vs steel).

UAV bridge inspection technologies

Iowa DOT is also interested in UAV inspection technologies.

Involvement in ABC training events/activities

There is also an interest in participation in training activities in the use of ABC methods such as Slide-in-

bridge construction (SIBC).

MEETINGS AND ATTENDEES:

Iowa DOT Bridge Office and & ISU Meeting - April 16, 2015

Norm McDonald, Iowa State Bridge Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Gary Novey, Assistant State Bridge Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Ahmad Abu-Hawash, Chief Structural Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Annette Jeffers, Automation Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Scott Neubauer, Bridge Maintenance Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Michael J. Todsen, Special Projects Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Gordon Port, Bridge Preservation Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Ping Lia, Bridge Rating Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Dave Claman, Preliminary Design Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Jim Nelson, Final Design Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Dean Bierwagen, Final Design Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Stuart Nielsen, Methods Engineer (Standards), Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Wayne A. Sunday, Structures Construction Field Engineer, Iowa DOT

Vanessa Goetz, Office of Research, Iowa DOT

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Brent Phares, Iowa State University

Chris Cromwell, FHWA Iowa Division Bridge

Maria Drozd FHWA Maine Division Bridge Engineer

Romeo R. Garcia, FHWA Bridge & Tunnel Construction Engineer, Office of Infrastructure

ISU Structures Lab Visit – April 16, 2015

Ahmad Abu-Hawash, Chief Structural Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Michael J. Todsen, Special Projects Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Ping Lu, Bridge Rating Engineer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Vanessa Goetz, Office of Research, Iowa DOT

Brent Phares, Iowa State University

Scott Neubauer, Office of Bridges & Structures, Iowa DOT

Chris Cromwell, FHWA Iowa Division Bridge

Maria Drozd FHWA Maine Division Bridge Engineer

Romeo R. Garcia, FHWA Bridge & Tunnel Construction Engineer, Office of Infrastructure

Visit to 3 Iowa Bridge Projects – April 15, 2015

Scott Almeida, Resident Engineer, Kirkham Michael (Des Moines Projects only)

Travis Hamel, Resident Engineer, Maine DOT, Invited Guest

Chris Cromwell, FHWA Iowa Division Bridge

Maria Drozd FHWA Maine Division Bridge Engineer

Romeo R. Garcia, FHWA Bridge & Tunnel Construction Engineer, Office of Infrastructure

FHWA Division Office Meeting – April 17, 2015

Jeff McEwen, Acting Division Administrator

Andrew Wilson, Program Delivery Team Leader

Chris Cromwell, Iowa Division Bridge Engineer

Maria Drozd, Maine Division Bridge Engineer

Romeo R. Garcia, FHWA Bridge & Tunnel Construction Engineer, Office of Infrastructure

This was a general meeting to introduce the purpose for the “Technology Sharing Initiative”.

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APPENDIX A – IOWA TSI AGENDA Wednesday, April 15, 2015 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Visit three Iowa projects in Des Moines Area Thursday, April 16, 2015

8:00 am – 2:00 pm Iowa DOT Bridge Office and & ISU Meeting 2:00 – 3:00 pm ISU Structures Lab Tour 3:00 – 4:00 pm Iowa DOT Materials Lab Tour Friday April 17, 2015 8:00 am – 10:00 am FHWA Division Office Meeting

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APPENDIX B – DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. What new bridge technologies is the State using on a regular or experimental basis?

2. What technologies or best practices in the area of bridge construction has the State found to be most successful

(whether new or old)?

a. What is Iowa’s experience in the use of standard bridge plans for State owned or Local Agency Bridges? b. What is Iowa’s practice in the design of bridge approach slabs and integral abutments?

3. What IBRD, IBRC, EDC, STIC, SHRP2 or other related technologies is the State pursuing as a standard practice in

the area of bridges? What challenges or impacts are these initiatives introducing and how are they being communicated with design, construction and maintenance personnel?

4. It is understood that ATCs are currently not utilized in Iowa. Does the State have any plans to allow for ATCs in

the near future?

5. To what extend is the State using 3D modeling for bridges? This will be discussed during the 3D workshop.

6. To what extend is 3D modeling being used in the fabrication of steel and concrete bridge members? See above.

7. What are the most common bridge superstructure types being utilized in the State for both on system and off system bridges?

8. What are the most common deep foundation types utilized in the State for both end bearing and friction type systems? What verification testing is State using to validate performance?

9. To what extend are spread footings on soils utilized in the State including ground pre-conditioning systems for such use?

10. To what extend are GRS/IBS systems used in the State?

11. What is the State’s experience with the use of stay-in-place steel or concrete deck forms?

12. What are some common bridge deck overlay or deck surface treatment systems used in the State (with or without membranes)? How are deck repair/rehabilitation/replacement actions identified?

13. What is the State’s experience with the use re-bar corrosion protection systems beyond epoxy coated re-bars, such as galvanized or stainless steel? Is State moving towards performance based or service life deck design?

14. Does the State have standardized bridge maintenance or repair techniques? Who decides on needed actions?

15. What bridge construction and/or maintenance related testing equipment is the State currently utilizing, researching, or experimenting with?

16. What contracting methods are commonly utilized on bridge projects?

17. What structural training and technical design or construction guidance from the FHWA would be most helpful to your agency?