Experimental Setup for a Large-Scale Bridge Superstructure Model Subjected to Waves

Abstract

To gain a better understanding of the wave forces that led to the failure of numerous causeway-type coastal highway bridges along the U.S. Gulf coast, a series of experiments was conducted on a realistic, 1:5 scale reinforced concrete bridge superstructure. The experimental setup is unique compared to other wave-in-deck studies in that the stiffness of the horizontal support system can be varied to represent different dynamic properties of the bridge system. The bridge specimen is subjected to a wide range of regular and random wave conditions at multiple water levels. In addition to measuring pressures and forces, the experiments measure the dynamic response of the bridge specimen using strain gauges, displacement sensors, and accelerometers. This paper presents the innovative experimental setup, and a preliminary analysis of the data showing the effect of wave height, wave period, and water level, on the forces experienced by the bridge superstructure.