The performance of several bridge deck fastening systems is being evaluated on the steel bridge at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) at the Transportation Technology Center, in Pueblo, Colorado. Fastening systems tested to date include several variations using hook bolts, as well as spring clips. Results to date indicate that minor, inexpensive installation details can lead to significant increases in time required between maintenance. Details, such as the use of double nuts and threaded fastener adhesive, have proven to be particularly effective. At FAST, more than 500 million gross tons (MGT) of traffic passed over the bridge after this retrofit was applied before tightening was required. Other hardware details, such as the use of locking clips, can also increase time between maintenance, particularly in high-impact areas near rail joints. Locking clips have proven to extend maintenance cycles at FAST. But, some other hardware variations offered little or no benefit under the heavy axle load (HAL) traffic at FAST. Results for eight different deck fastener combinations are presented in this paper. Advantages and drawbacks, as well as failure modes, are noted based on the test experience at FAST. The bridge deck at FAST is a Conrail open-deck design with dapped oak ties. The open deck has carried over 1,300 MGT of 315,000-pound (lb) HAL traffic since installation in late 1997.
Bridge Deck Fastener Performance on the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing Steel Bridge. Updated Research Results
2008
4 pages
Report
No indication
English
Bridge deck fastener evaluation at FAST
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