Grant 1: Parametric Finite Element Analysis and Full Scale Testing of Trunnion Hub Assemblies for Bascule Bridges

Background | Grant | Pictures| Bolt Assembly Program | Numerical Models | Experimental Analysis | Technical Papers

Cracking failures of hubs of trunnion-hub-girder (THG) assemblies have occurred during assembly of bascule leafs for three bridges in Florida since 1998. Economic losses due to these failures are in the order of many hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

With a grant from FDOT, at the University of South Florida, we are developing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and experimental models to explain these assembly failures and then use the results to develop specifications for the assembly procedure.

Using Ansys, the FEA modeling includes studying transient thermal and mechanical stresses during assembly.  It is then followed by full-scale testing of a THG assembly.

You can read the final report of this 3-year study (Acrobat Format; Word Format) or a 10-page overview article (Acrobat Format; Word Format).

Specifications and testing requirements for these assemblies are then developed for inclusion in American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Specifications.