Examination of Steel Pin and Hanger Options—Retrofit to Replacement

A number of steel beam bridges exist in the United States that contain steel pin and hanger assemblies. Pin and hanger assemblies are fracture critical members whose failure would render a bridge unable to perform its expected functions or could possibly result in its collapse. As these bridges continue to age, many assemblies have deteriorated to a point where retrofit or replacement has to be considered and performed to maintain safety and performance. Departments of Transportation (DOTs) have used various approaches to address this issue. However, a detailed examination and compilation of methods that have been implemented and steps involved in their design and placement has yet to occur. Summarized herein is an ongoing synthesis project that attempts to document viable pin and hanger retrofit or replacement options in the United States. It is hoped that, at the completion of the project, findings would assist engineers with effective means to assess options and their benefits and consequences when pin and hanger assembly retrofit or replacement is being considered.