A theoretical framework is developed for applying the material point method (MPM) to problems of modeling natural hazard effects on several representative geometries. Following an outline of the general methodology, in which the structural system is replaced by a combination of integrated Lagrangian...

Extreme wind conditions can be a formidable foe to both highway and driver safety. Strong gusts increase the likelihood of wind-induced vehicle crashes, especially for high-sided vehicles (i.e., semi-trucks) in the United States. Current understanding of wind loads on high-sided vehicles comes mostly...

Measuring the dynamic displacements of a structure provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure, especially when subjected to different types of dynamic loading (i.e., wind, traffic, impact loads, blast loads). Despite their usefulness, direct displacement measurements are typically not collected...

The rapid increase in traffic volume and heavy vehicle loads is causing accelerated deterioration of pavement infrastructure worldwide. This research investigates the impact of overweight and dynamic axle loads on pavement performance, employing advanced weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems and machine learning...

This report presents the relevancy of the allowable stress rating (ASR) and the load and resistance factor rating (LRFR) methods for timber bridges. Benchmark bridges constructed in the 1930s have been upgraded with hollow structural steel (HSS) beams and three-dimensional finite element models provide...

This project discusses the performance of deteriorating double-tee (DT) girder bridges that have been in service for many years. This included field testing of two single-span DT girder bridges in South Dakota for live load distribution factors (LLDFs) and dynamic load allowance (IM). The LLDFs and IM...

Due to the current limitations on seismic forecasting, there is a high chance that a considerable number of vehicles would remain on a bridge when an earthquake occurs. In traditional seismic analyses, traffic loads were often ignored. Existing mode-based bridge-traffic interaction analysis usually cannot...

The most common type of bridge on South Dakota local roads is a precast prestressed double-tee (DT) girder bridge. More than 700 DT bridges are currently in-service in South Dakota. Structural detailing, aging, traffic volume, and environmental conditions affect structural performance, integrity, and...

To improve the pavement design and construction in Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is adopting the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). A full implementation of MEPDG requires the characterization of local crushed base materials. In this research, laboratory...

Ductile fracture has been identified as the predominant mode of failure for structural elements under extreme loads and the prediction of such represents considerable challenges. Until recently, ductile fracture of metals has been recognized to be dependent on both stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter....