Research

Mackinac Bridge to be fitted with vibration-powered sensors

Up to 2,000 vibration-powered sensors are to be installed on the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan, USA, following successful testing of 20 prototypes.  

Scottish university targets robotic rail bridge inspection

A partnership between Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University and rail industry body RSSB plans to develop a robotic system to facilitate closer inspection of the arches of railway bridges.

Researchers identify optimal forms for longer-spanning bridges

Newly identified bridge forms could enable significantly longer bridge spans to be achieved in the future, according to a paper published this week.

Research published into new approach for short-span bridges

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) has published the results of the research, development and testing of a new bridge system designed by its members and partners.

‘Bridge in a backpack’ passes highway load test

The University of Maine’s rapidly deployable bridge system has passed strength-testing to the US national standard for highway loading.

New research consortium set up to develop ‘smart’ bridge systems

Innovate UK is providing funding for a new research project that aims to develop a new structural health predictive modelling system to extend the lives of bridges.

USA appoints team for long-term bridge performance study

The US government’s Federal Highway Administration has awarded a US$50 million contract for a project designed to improve the understanding of how bridges deteriorate over time.

Consultant-led team picked to lead research into moveable bridges

The contract has been awarded for a research project that will assess and revise the USA’s primary design specifications for moveable highway bridges.

Quake-resistant bridge design performs well in Nevada test

Five promising approaches to accelerated bridge construction (ABC) have performed well in a large-scale seismic test carried out at the University of Nevada in the USA.

UK launches new collaborative approach to infrastructure research

A new research programme has been launched in the UK with aims including making infrastructure more resilient to extreme events.

New study warns that bridge collapse risks may be underestimated

Researchers from US universities have carried out an analysis into the factors behind bridge collapses.

Researcher seeks to develop crowd dynamics guidance for footbridge design

A researcher at Georgia State University in the USA is leading a study intended to develop guidance to help designers avoid their footbridges oscillating or bouncing alarmingly as people cross.

Research explores using old tyres to support quake-prone bridges

New research has shown that using a material made from discarded tyres can help support integral bridges in disaster-prone regions.  

Study points to crack-reducing benefits of lightweight concrete

A new report by the Virginia Transportation Research Council in the USA has found that lightweight concrete decks exhibit fewer cracks than their conventional counterparts.

Shape shifters

Researchers in Switzerland are making progress in developing an alternative technique for prestressing concrete. Testing of the system on a large scale began last month

Asset management 2013

Our latest specialist supplement is now online and available to read as an ebook or to download at your convenience. 

Trial section to be built of Auckland causeway

NZ Transport Agency is starting construction a trial causeway to test the impact the larger project will have on the immediate environment.

Vertech unveils UK’s first lorry-carrying recycled plastic bridge

The UK's first recycled plastic bridge capable of carrying heavy goods vehicles has been completed.

Research project extends knowledge of threats to bridges

A research project into protecting critical bridges from threats has now been completed.

Observation deck