MDOT research into carbon fiber bridge

by Becky Andrus | Sep 9, 2020 | Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
CONTACT: Dan Weingarten, MDOT Office of Communications, 906-250-4809
                      WeingartenD@Michigan.gov

MDOT research into carbon fiber bridge components
gains national recognition  

Fast facts:
– The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) pioneered incorporating carbon fiber into bridge designs, building the nation’s first carbon fiber bridge in 2001.
– Carbon fiber components are similar to steel in strength, but they resist corrosion and require less maintenance over time.
– After four years of extensive research by MDOT and Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, bridge designers now have the information they need to predict how carbon fiber components perform under a variety of real-world conditions and the design tools for future bridge projects.
– The project was recently named one of the top 16 research efforts of 2020 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

September 9, 2020 — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and university researchers have subjected a high-tech material to trial by fire and ice in a quest for better bridge components.

Steel has historically been the go-to material for reinforcing and pre-tensioning concrete for highway bridges. Steel adds much-needed strength, but it is prone to corrosion and deterioration under assault from extreme temperatures, water, and deicing chemicals. Preventing corrosion and repairing damaged areas require maintenance time and resources.

MDOT and Lawrence Technological University (Lawrence Tech) in Southfield have pioneered an innovative alternative to steel in critical bridge applications: using carbon fiber components. Carbon fiber strands have a tensile strength comparable to steel, but they resist corrosion and require less maintenance over time.

Under the direction of Dr. Nabil Grace, dean of the College of Engineering at Lawrence Tech, the school’s Center for Innovative Materials has been researching carbon fiber reinforced polymer  (CFRP) since 1988, funded through multiple research awards from the National Science Foundation and MDOT.

“In 2001, Lawrence Tech, MDOT and the City of Southfield worked together on the deployment of the first three-span CFRP pre-stressed concrete bridge in the country,” Grace said. The Bridge Street Bridge was outfitted with a variety of sensors and will be monitored by MDOT until 2025.

“CFRP has performed well in the field but its long-term durability wasn’t fully understood,” said Matthew Chynoweth, MDOT chief bridge engineer and director of MDOT’s Bureau of Bridges and Structures.

Carbon fiber components lacked a track record in transportation infrastructure. Also, engineers lacked the technical specs they needed to optimize the CFRP design process and encourage more widespread use of the material. So, beginning in 2013, MDOT again collaborated with Lawrence Tech, this time to test the short- and long-term performance of CFRP strands and beams under a wide range of conditions.

During four years of extensive research, carbon fiber components were subjected to 300 freeze-thaw cycles, combined fire/loading events, severe weather, and other trials. Now, bridge designers have the information and specifications they need to predict how CFRP will perform under a variety of real-world conditions, as well as the design tools for future bridge projects.

“This research allowed us to test every question we had about CFRP and get good data so that we can continue to design bridges that are as safe and durable as normal steel bridges but without steel’s corrosive limitations,” Chynoweth said.

The data from this research confirm what proponents of CFRP have long theorized. Investigators found that CFRP strands held up well to conditions that simulated Michigan’s harsh weather. Moisture, rain, freezing rain, and extreme temperature swings did not significantly affect the material’s strength or mechanical properties over time. In addition, test results showed that some currently accepted parameters for CFRP are conservative and can be updated.

The research generated criteria, guidelines, and recommendations to make MDOT’s design and construction of highway bridges using CFRP components more efficient. Additionally, researchers prepared design examples, valuable reference tools for bridge designers.

These efforts have already received recognition. The study was recently chosen as one of the highest value transportation research projects in the nation. The Research Advisory Committee at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) named it one of the top 16 research projects of 2020. It is a significant national endorsement of work Michigan has been doing for 20 years.

“Recently, AASHTO published its first design specification for CFRP pre-stressed concrete bridge elements, and this was mostly inspired by the work Dr. Grace has done for the past 30 years,” Chynoweth said.

Practical applications are expanding, as well. Backed by previously unavailable real-world data for CFRP, engineers are making use of the material. Since the first carbon fiber components were used in 2001, more than a dozen bridges have been built throughout the state using CFRP pre-stressing and post tensioning. Some recent examples include the southbound I-75 span over the Sexton-Kilfoil Drain in Detroit, incorporating the longest CFRP pre-stressed beams, at 140 feet; and two bridges being built as part of MDOT’s I-94 modernization project, also in Detroit.

What’s the future outlook for carbon fiber in MDOT bridge design? One barrier to wider adoption is the cost of materials.

“Cost is always an issue. That is why we only do a few bridges per year,” Chynoweth said. “However, one of our main suppliers, Tokyo Rope, built a fabrication facility in Michigan, which has cut down on some costs and delivery times for CFRP.”

Thanks to a deeper understanding of carbon fiber materials, bridge designers are closer to realizing their goal of building longer-lived bridges. A bridge with a minimum 100-year service life is an MDOT, as well as a national, target. AASHTO’s new specification for bridge design focuses on promoting innovative materials to achieve these longer life spans.

“Since CFRP is non-corrosive, we are eliminating the potential of concrete deterioration from steel corrosion, which is the major cause of shorter service lives on bridges,” Chynoweth said.

A summary of the report on CFRP in bridge designs is available on the MDOT website, as well as the full final report. For more details on Michigan’s bridges, go to www.Michigan.gov/Bridges.

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The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in partnership with Lawrence Technological University prestressed concrete beams with strands of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and then subjected them to fire/loading tests to evaluate their durability. (Lawrence Technological University photo)

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Lawrence Technological University conducted a variety of experiments to evaluate the short- and long-term performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Here, scaled-down bridge beams using CFRP are being readied to undergo multiple freeze-thaw cycles. (Lawrence Technological University photo)

Carbon fiber strands being installed on the M-102 bridge deck in Wayne County in 2014.
(MDOT photo)

Carbon fiber strands being installed on the M-102 bridge deck in Wayne County in 2014.
(MDOT photo)

Bill to Provide Enhanced Federal Unemployment Benefits

by Becky Andrus | Sep 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2020 Contact: Press@michigan.gov    Governor Whitmer Signs Bill to Provide  Funding for Enhanced Federal Unemployment Benefits    LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 745, which appropriates $2.8 billion in supplemental funding from federal revenues awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover a temporary $300 per week enhanced federal payment for eligible Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits.   As part of the FEMA program, the additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits will continue until the federal emergency disaster relief funding made available for this program has been exhausted. At this time, it is unknown how many weeks may be covered by existing funds.   “This is good news for the thousands of Michiganders who are still without work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s still a short term band aid that falls short of what’s needed,” said Governor Whitmer. “We need the president, Mitch McConnell, and Congress to put partisanship aside and pass a bipartisan recovery package that will help us save lives and get people back on their feet. Michigan families, frontline workers, and small business owners are counting on the federal government to do the right thing and work together on their behalf.”   At this time, eligible claimants do not have to take any action to receive the additional benefit amount provided by the program.   SB 745 also includes $8 million in funding to facilitate the further development of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Illinois, which will provide a critical barrier to prevent invasive carp from entering Lake Michigan. In addition, the bill provides match funding for disaster flood cleanup in Midland and Gladwin counties, as well as funding to cover costs for flood response and mitigation efforts in the City of Detroit.   “I appreciate the good working relationship I have with our appropriations chairs, Sen. Jim Stamas and Rep. Shane Hernandez,” said State Budget Director Chris Kolb. “This bill will provide important unemployment benefits for residents in our state and I look forward to continuing our work with the Legislature as we negotiate the Fiscal Year 2021 budget which begins on October 1.”   “A little more than three months ago, communities in Gladwin and Midland counties saw tremendous flooding and the damage is still impossible to fully comprehend,” said Senator Jim Stamas, R-Midland. “We are is this together, and this state funding will assist our communities recover and rebuild in the aftermath of unimaginable flooding.”   “The crucial funding being sent to the Detroit supporting flood mitigation sets us on a path to save lives and protect our communities. These funds will allow us to create long-term solutions to prevent flooding in our neighborhoods throughout the city. I was proud to advocate for this funding on behalf of Detroiters everywhere, and am grateful that Governor Whitmer made it official today,” said Representative Joe Tate, D-Detroit.   SB 745 was sponsored by Sen. Jim Stamas.

DNR News Digest – Week of Sept. 7, 2020

by Becky Andrus | Sep 8, 2020 | Uncategorized

News Digest – Week of Sept. 7, 2020 Check out Pure Michigan fall color tours for peak season across the state!

Here’s a look at some of this week’s stories from the Department of Natural Resources: Catch a glimpse of the mighty Michigan elk First deer hunt of the 2020 season this weekend Hunting, diversity in the outdoors, responsible recreation and more in new ‘Wildtalk’ podcast ICYMI: Michigan Freedom Trail Commission’s Heritage Gathering moves online for 2020 See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom. PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email are available in this folder. Catch a glimpse of the mighty Michigan elk The fall breeding season is the most popular time to view Michigan’s wild elk herd. This month and next, elk are more active and can be found in open, grassy areas during dawn and dusk. Elk viewing areas can be accessed by roads throughout the Pigeon River Country State Forest near Gaylord. These designated areas have been managed for elk habitat, providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to observe the herd or hear the beautiful, unmistakable bugle of a bull elk. Use the elk viewing guide to plan your route and remember to bring your binoculars, spotting scope and camera. Learn more about the history of elk in Michigan. First deer hunt of the 2020 season this weekend Michigan’s Liberty Hunt, a firearm deer hunt on private or public lands for youth and hunters with disabilities, is back statewide Sept. 12-13. Those 16 or younger and eligible hunters with disabilities can join the hunt. A list of qualifying criteria is available in the 2020 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility. This year, the weekend is open to hunters who are deaf or hard of hearing, a Liberty Hunt qualification that was added at the request of the DNR Accessibility Advisory Council. “People with disabilities can experience difficulties with mobility, climbing into a tree stand, sighting in game, hearing game approaching or holding a firearm,” said Hannah Schauer, DNR Wildlife Division education and communications coordinator. “The Liberty Hunt provides opportunities for veterans and others to get outdoors and try a new sport or continue to enjoy one they love.” Some locations offer track chairs, elevated hunting blinds or hunting blinds equipped with adaptive gear. Learn about additional outdoor recreation opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility. Valid licenses for this hunt include a deer, deer combo or antlerless deer license or a deer management assistance permit. Antler point restrictions do not apply. This hunt’s bag limit is one deer. For those participating in the Liberty Hunt: Hunters with disabilities may bait now through Sept. 13. In areas of the Upper Peninsula where baiting is legal, youth hunters also may bait now through Sept. 13. In the remainder of the state, youth hunters may not use bait. Additional regulations for all seasons can be found in the 2020 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/Deer. Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors is a proud sponsor and partner of the Liberty Hunt. Learn more about the organization at MiOFO.org or by calling 734-612-6677. Hunters of all ages and experience levels are urged to put safety first. Find hunting safety tips and resources at Michigan.gov/HuntingSafety. Questions? Contact DNR-Wildlife@Michigan.gov. Hunting, diversity in the outdoors, responsible recreation and more in new ‘Wildtalk’ podcast Looking for something new to jazz up your commute or walk in the woods? Give a listen to the DNR’s “Wildtalk” podcast – an opportunity every month to hear from many of the department staff and partners who do their best to take care of Michigan’s natural resources and make it easier for the public to enjoy them. This month features guests Alexis Hermiz, Ashley Autenrieth and Clay Buchanan talking about the department’s efforts to bring more diversity, equity and inclusion to the outdoors. Hermiz said that when it comes to equity among the DNR’s workforce and current and prospective users, it’s about much more than just race. “Equity is about giving people what they need to succeed, because not everybody has the same starting point, not everybody has the same resources,” she said. “Inclusion makes sure that all of our voices are not only heard, but also considered in our workplace culture and in the type of recreation (people) want to see in our parks and our public spaces.” In addition to that interview, the podcast has updates on hognose snakes, upland bird hunting and the elk season opener, answers to “mail bag” questions and more. Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453. ICYMI: Michigan Freedom Trail Commission’s Heritage Gathering moves online for 2020 In case you missed it, the Michigan History Center recently shared that the third annual Underground Railroad Heritage Gathering is underway now, as a series of virtual presentations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout September. The sessions are free and open to anyone interested in learning more about Michigan’s many connections to the Underground Railroad. This year’s events, hosted using the Zoom platform, include panel discussions, local research, tips for researching local history and more. Topics include antislavery journalism, archaeological findings that link to Michigan’s abolition history, how to nominate sites for the national Network to Freedom and many others. Read the full story for information on the full slate of programs, along with links for registration. THINGS TO DO Need inspiration to get off the couch? Walk, hike, paddle or ride during the Michigan Trails Week Challenge, Sept. 20-27, and help us reach 100,000 miles! BUY & APPLY Whether your fall plans involve hunting, fishing or off-roading adventure, make sure all of your licenses and permits are up to date before you hit the road. GET INVOLVED Forests, parks, trails, hunting land and more – Michigan is rich with places to enjoy the outdoors! Learn about the process for an updated land strategy. DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.