Comparison of Block-Shear and Whitmore Section Methods for Load Rating Existing Steel Truss Gusset Plate Connections
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 15, Issue 2
Abstract
Many transportation agencies are now evaluating and rating their inventory of steel truss bridge gusset plate connections after the collapse of the I35W Bridge in Minneapolis. Modern design methodologies are being used to evaluate inventory gusset plate connections that were designed using allowable stress methods. One such implementation is evaluation of gusset plates using block shear, an approach that was developed well after many of the nation’s truss bridges were designed. Vintage designs commonly used the Whitmore section to proportion gusset plate connections. Differences between rating outcomes from block-shear analysis at strength conditions with designs that employed allowable stresses on the Whitmore section method were identified and expected outcomes for rating of gusset plate connections are proposed. Examples are shown to highlight the similarities and differences in these two approaches to assist rating engineers in implementation and expected variabilities on the outcomes based on connection geometric proportions and material properties.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation. The writers would like to thank Mr. Steven Soltesz who served as the ODOT research coordinator for this research, his assistance is greatly appreciated. The writers also would like to thank the reviewers of this manuscript for their invaluable comments. The findings and conclusions are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the project sponsors or the individuals acknowledged.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 15 • Issue 2 • March 2010
Pages: 160 - 171
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Oct 1, 2008
Accepted: May 19, 2009
Published online: Feb 12, 2010
Published in print: Mar 2010
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