The new aligned highway connected two major cities in Syria (Mesiaf and Homs). It could be considered as shorter high-speed link.
My Role in the Project (in Detail):
1) I obtained the data from the highway engineers and the topographical surveying team. In order to save time, I determined the coordinates of the bore holes for the geotechnical team to do the site investigations, as well as the necessary geotechnical tests in the laboratory. In the mean time, I had some main parts in the detailed design stage prepared.
2) Plan, analyze and design the Sta. 404 Bridge: It had 4 simply supported spans (12, 18, 18, and 12 m), precast T-beams, multi-column piers and abutments. Fig. (54) shows the general arrangement of the bridge, which included: the general dimensions, the elements, the geotechnical bore holes, definition to soil layers and the setting up coordinates. Fig (55) shows detailed drawing of the pier reinforcement.
3) I developed 3 alternatives for the Sta. 35 Bridge up to the 30 % completed stage. These alternatives were:
· Alt 1: Two spans (2 X 31 m), simply supported post-tensioned concrete girders, see fig (56).
· Alt 2: Two continuous spans (2 X 30 m) box girder, see fig (57).
· Alt 3: four spans (15, 22, 22, and 15), simply supported inverted (T) beams, see fig (58).
I made comparisons between the alternatives regarding the structural efficiency, cost and the ease of constructability. The client chose Alt.3.
4) I used finite element analysis (utilizing STAAD Pro. Program) to model the bridges. 3D grillage frame elements were used, and all the properties were entered in the software according to the overall behavior of the model (that is the grillage properties which differ than the properties of each element if it was alone). The elastomeric bearings were modeled as elastic springs, taking into account the lateral displacements and the shear modulus of the natural rubber.
5) I used the pushover analysis for the substructures to check the ductility and the stiffness degradation of the bridge. I identified the failure mode and plotted the capacity curve. The performance levels were matched with the demands (according to FEMA).
6) I designed the bridges depending on AASHTO LRFD, and ACI 345-R. I drew the concept of the detailed drawings utilizing AutoCAD. They were completed and formatted by two draftsmen. 7) The general specs were according to the Ministry of Transportation. I prepared the particular specifications to meet the individual requirements of each bridge in this project. Fig. (59).
