ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: In the aftermath of the I-35W Bridge collapse in Minnesota, the Federal Highway Administration issued a technical advisory to bridge owners to check the status of gusset plates on similar bridges. In response, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission initiated a screening program for the analysis of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Hawk Falls Bridge. The 51-year old, 740 ft long bridge spans Mud Run and contains a three-span continuous, haunched Warren deck truss. An analysis of the bridge was performed using BAR7. The gusset plates were grouped into representative types and each type was analyzed considering worst-case loads. A finite element model was developed, which verified the results of the hand calculations, finding some stresses above allowable values, but below material yield strength. A monitoring program was subsequently implemented, and data will be collected through sensors and strain gages for one year to accurately evaluate the bridge and make decisions regarding future rehabilitation.
