Infra-Climate Hybrid Bridge Design System

Integral Abutment Bridges (IABs) are unique structures in the sense that they are rigid compared to typical bridges that have bearing connections. Bridges are designed to withstand forces sourcing from its own weight and ongoing traffic as well as temperature forces. As the temperature varies (cyclic in nature), the bridge experiences contraction and expansion forces that result in varying internal stresses within the structure that causes the bridge to wear. As the effects of global warming include an increase in the earth’s temperature, the extent that the bridge moves increases, thus increasing the pressure in the bridge. To visualize how much these bridges are affected, a software simulation is used to help predict their behavior. The developed system is of great importance to all departments of transportation in Canada and worldwide and to practicing engineers who are actively involved in the design and management of IABs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hany El Naggar

Student:

Ahmed Abdullah

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic

Discipline:

Engineering - civil

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University