AIDC project number:

• Start Date: Jun 1, 2012
• End Date: Oct 31, 2014

Project Documents

Project Final Report

Project Summary

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) faces unique combinations of environmental hazards, including the strong potential for seismic events from the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ). The last known significant earthquake on the CSZ is believed to be in 1700. Evidence indicates that major earthquakes on the CSZ likely occur at a return period of approximately 300 years, and the next subduction event is anticipated to cause widespread damage throughout the PNW (The Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup 2005). In addition to being susceptible to earthquake damage, many infrastructure systems in the region are exposed to coastal zones or de-icing and/or anti-icing chemicals. Exposure to these conditions result in premature deterioration (corrosion, alkali silica reactions (ASR), cracking, etc.) and often results in reduced structure capacity. Keeping critical corridors operational during and after a seismic event on the CSZ is essential to minimizing loss of life and minimizing economic impact after the quake in the State. Critical to keeping these corridors open is the continued operation of the bridges on these corridors.

For this research we will perform inspections of bridges on critical corridors. In addition, the research will identify methods to assess the health of bridge structure and will identify innovative methods for repairing, rehabilitating, or replacing bridges on critical corridors. The outcome of the research will provide SHAs with efficient methods to inspect, assess, repair, rehabilitate, or replace these critical structures.