Andrew Schanck
University of Maine
Degrees:
B.Sc. Civil and Environmental Engineering – University of Maine – 2017
M.Sc. Civil and Environmental Engineering – University of Maine – 2019
Ph.D. Civil Engineering – University of Maine – In Progress
Preferred Career after Graduation:
Consulting bridge engineer for the rail industry or highway industry
Broad research Area:
Using experimental methods and advanced numerical analysis to enhance understanding of bridges’ actual behavior and capacity
Specific Research Area:
Analysis of reinforced concrete T-beam bridges through live-load testing and nonlinear proxy finite element analysis to determine more accurate live-load capacity and observation and analysis of a novel fiber reinforced polymer tub-girder bridge
Other Interests & Activities: Scale modeling, music
Student Bio: Andrew was born in Brick, New Jersey but has lived in central Maine for 25 of his 27 years. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine in May of 2017 and 2019, respectively. Throughout his academic career, Andrew has worked at the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center in numerous roles and for a variety of research projects, including those associated with his research and most currently as a full-time research engineer. Andrew lives in Bangor, Maine with his wife Morgan, son William, and daughter Margaret.
Thesis title: Determination of Bridge Behavior through Live-Load Testing and Advanced Numerical Analysis
Thesis Summary: Reinforced concrete (RC) T-beam bridges are common in the state of Maine and are often much older than their initial design life. These bridges frequently do not rate adequately based on AASHTO procedures, despite continuing to carry modern loading without signs of distress, leading to expensive, possibly unneeded remedial actions. To better assess their live-load capacity, a series of ten such bridges is subjected to non-destructive live-load testing (NDLLT) under high vehicular load. The strain response of each is extracted, allowing a better understanding of its behavior and updated capacity estimates to be determined. Based on the results of these tests, the flexural ratings factors (RFs) of each of these structures could be increased, with six increasing to above 1.0, demonstrating their adequacy for modern loading. The behavior of these bridges is further investigated through numerical analysis of detailed, linear finite element (FE) models.
To allow straightforward inclusion of the complex nonlinear constitutive behavior of RC T-beam bridge girders in nonlinear FE analysis for capacity rating, a novel technique, PFEA is developed and later expanded for generality. This technique extracts a girder section’s nonlinear moment-curvature relationship and applies it to a fictitious, “proxy” section for which nonlinear analysis is much less cumbersome. The technique is verified against previous destructive tests of individual girders and a full bridge, and its utility is expanded, demonstrating its generality. Finally, it is used to load rate the previously tested RC T-beam bridges, resulting in significant increases to each structure’s flexural RF.
The Hampden Grist Mill Bridge (HGMB) in Hampden, Maine is the first bridge in the world to use the FRP CT girder system developed by the University of Maine and was constructed in 2020. As such, its behavior was relatively unknown. To better characterize the bridge’s behavior, it is subjected to NDLLT and its response measured. It is found that the structure behaves much more rigidly than designed, with more uniform load distribution and significant unintended rotation end fixity. This testing also allows for an updates capacity load rating to be determined, further displaying the structure’s adequate and conservative design. These aspects of the HGMB’s behavior are further investigated through analysis of detailed, linear FE models.
Presentation
Poster
