Towards an Integrated Fracture-control Plan for Steel Bridges

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Please join us for the ASCE-MN SEI and Structural Committee's second 2019 technical seminar, where Dr. Robert Connor, Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the S-BRITE Center at Purdue University, will be presenting background on current views of fracture-critical members and suggestions moving forward. [1.5 PDHs available]

Fee:
ASCE/SEI Member - $35.00
Non-Member - $40.00
Students - Free

Please click on the link below to RSVP.

Abstract:

There has been considerable research and interest in the topic of fracture-critical members (FCMs) during the past decade.  As a result, the entire concept of what constitutes a FCM is being revisited and many long-standing ideas and opinions related to this classification of members is being shown to be overly conservative.  Significant advances in the understanding of fracture mechanics, material and structural behavior, fatigue crack initiation, fatigue crack growth, fabrication technology, and inspection technology have allowed other industries to address fracture in a more integrated manner.  After years of research, new stand-alone AASHTO-ready guide specifications that give codified direction on how to perform 3D system analysis to verify system redundancy, as well as guide specifications to evaluate internal member-level redundancy of mechanically-fastened built-up members, have now been developed and adopted by AASHTO.  Additional research demonstrating the benefits of exploiting the improved toughness of modern HPS grades of steel has been completed.  Through these advances, it is now possible to create an integrated FCP, combining the original intent of the 1978 FCP, with modern materials, design, fabrication, and inspection methodologies.  Further, an integrated FCP will provide economic benefits and improved safety to owners by allowing for a better allocation of resources by setting inspection intervals and scope based on sound engineering rather than based simply on the calendar.  In summary, an integrated FCP encompassing material, design, fabrication, and inspection can make fracture no more likely than any other limit state; ultimately, allowing for a better allocation of owner resources and increased steel bridge safety. This presentation presents background to the current views of FCMs and suggestions about how to move forward. 

Speaker: Robert J. Connor | Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the S-BRITE Center - Purdue University

Time: 6:00pm Refreshments | 6:30pm Presentation

Where: University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Room: 210 – Dept. of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering

Parking: Park in one of the convenient East Bank Structures.   [Parking Info]

 

Register Now!