Abstract In this article, the writer explains that the Peace Bridge spans the Niagara River and links the cities of Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. The writer points out that this bridge is considered a critical link for cross-border commercial traffic with considerable economic significance for the region. The paper explains that the bridge was built in 1927, has three traffic lanes and sidewalks, and has been well-maintained so it is in excellent condition. The writer points out that the proposal to construct a new bridge that would cross the river is not due to damage to the existing bridge but to the limited capacity of the roadways on the bridge.
From the Paper "Someone designed the highway, while no one designed the space under the bridge. Such extra spaces are often created with such large-scale projects. This space is not likely to be useful in the current project to add three lanes of traffic to the existing bridge, though a more useful design for this space could be included at the same time to improve the area."
"The current bridge is a 3,600-foot steel truss built in 1927. The bridge is made up of five arched spans crossing the Niagara River, with an added through-truss span crossing the Black Rock Canal on the American side. The bridge was built of tons of steelwork and concrete abutments to hold it. The bridge was built to relieve traffic on the International Railway Bridge erected in 1873. The construction had to overcome the swift river current in that area, running at about twelve miles per hour. It is hoped that an addition to the bridge can increase traffic by one-third."
Abstract The paper reviews the rehabilitation of bridges. The paper begins by examining what bridges are from a structural and engineering standpoint, as well as how they may be evaluated and inspected. The paper then proceeds to examine what techniques can be implemented to rehabilitate bridges. The modernization of bridges is also discussed. The paper provides an overview of how bridges can be protected and society's financial and commercial investment in them well-rewarded.
From the Paper "The succeeding paper will review the rehabilitation of bridges by examining what bridges are from a structural and engineering standpoint as well as how they may be evaluated and inspected. The paper will then proceed to examine what techniques can be implemented to "rehabilitate" bridges as well as how the modernization of bridges can be permitted to unfold. This is a fairly complex topic and it is not possible to do it justice inside of twenty pages. Nonetheless, this paper will provide an overview of how bridges can be protected and society's financial and commercial investment in them well-rewarded."
Abstract The paper examines Ambrose Bierce's short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." The paper looks at the author's style of lyric realism and the use of irony. The paper reviews the main character and the plot.
From the Paper "Ambrose Bierce wrote "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" in order to crawl inside the minds of her audience and psychologically play with their brains just to find out what might happen at the other end. The detailed characterization of the unlucky protagonist, as well as the elegantly crafted style of the narrative work together produce the irony that so often characterizes Bierce's writing and causes us to marvel at its composition."
Abstract This paper explains that, inevitably, bridges deteriorate over time at different rates: Timely maintenance activities, which are well-planned and carried out with minimal disruption to road users can present substantial savings in terms of both time and money for both bridge owners and road users. The author ponts out that, to tackle the complicated issues regarding bridge management, research activities in the UK as well as other countries in continental Europe concentrate largely on the bridge management process, with attention given to improving the use of limited finances to maximize the returns from the maintenance and repair of the bridge stock as well as reduce additional costs due to traffic delays and lane closures for these activities. The paper includes a critical review of other BMSs used worldwide, development of models to predict bridge condition over time, analysis of the various road user costs and using different optimizing techniques to best allocate finances and optimize bridge performance. 39 tables. 40 figures.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Objective
Bridge Conditions in the U.K.
Introduction
Maintenance and Upgrading
Expenditure
Department of Transport (DoT) Programme
What is a Bridge Management System (BMS)?
Introduction
Department of Transport Structure
Maintenance Agents
BMS in the U.K. and Other Countries
Introduction
Bridge Condition
Other Information in BMS's
Condition Prediction
Cost Models
Decision for Maintenance and Repair
Prioritization
BMS in the U.S.A.
BRIDGIT System
PONTIS System
SMIS System
Inventory
Inspection and Assessment
National Structures Programmes (NSPs)
Prioritization
Project Creation
Whole Life Assessment and Costing
Activities Schedule
Data Accuracy
Design Specifications
Access
Integration with External Systems
Bridge Inspection and Assessment
Bridge Inspection Types
Defects
Bridge Scoring
Introduction
Definitions
Bridge Condition Score (BCS)
Bridge Condition Index (BCI)
Bridge Stock Condition Index (BSCI)
Multi Span Bridges Bridge Scoring Example
Interpreting BCS's
BCS Results
Histograms for Bridge Stock
Interpreting BCI's
BCI Results
Interpreting BSCI's
Predicting Bridge Condition with Time
Introduction
Markov Chain Approach
Example Calculation
Bridge Condition Example
Bridge Condition Results
Bridge Aggregation Example
Bridge Aggregation Results
Bridge Stock Example
Bridge Stock Results
Traffic Costs
Introduction
Traffic Count Example
Traffic Count Results
Traffic Delay Cost Examples
Delay Costs Results (1st Example)
Delay Costs Results (2nd Example)
Accident Cost Example
Accident Costs Results
Environmental Impact
Introduction
Emissions Example
Emissions Results
Decision-Making and Prioritization
Decision-making
Introduction
Prioritization
Introduction
Dynamic Programming
Budget Allocation Approach
Budget Allocation Results (1st Example)
Budget Allocation Results( 2nd Example)
Budget Allocation Results ( 3rd Example)
Improvements to Budget Allocation Approach
Introduction to BCI optimization approach
Service Potential (BCI) Examples
BCI Optimization Results (1st Example)
BCI Optimization Results (2nd Example)
BCI Optimization Results (3rd Example)
Maintenance Costs Examples
BCI Optimization Results (4th Example)
BCI Optimization Results (5th Example)
BCI Optimization Results (6th Example)
Conclusion
Future Research
From the Paper "It is proposed that the transition probabilities to be used are the Bridge Condition Index (BCI), which operates on a linear scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best). The degree of severity of bridges is linearly distributed over this range (i.e. BCI of 50 to 51 is the same as 90 to 91), except that costs are expected not to have a linear distribution. This is a useful approach as the BCI (average) is interpreted as 'service potential' and is used as a performance indicator.
Using the example for multi span bridges earlier on, the transition probabilities for a three-state Markov chain model with limiting stage value of 3 is proposed. The probabilities are in accordance to the BCI values for the 'good' bridge arranged in order of descending magnitude (i.e. P(1) = 0.9845 and P(2) = 0.9246). For the purposes of comparison, the other two bridges ('medium' and 'bad') are also modelled and the three are plotted together."
Abstract This paper talks about the three most commonly constructed types of bridges in use today. The paper provides historical information about the bridges types, looks at their cost and the availability of materials for each of the bridges, as well as the complexity of engineering of each bridge. It goes on to explain how all of these factors, including a bridge's length capabilities and its artistic and aesthetic qualities, all go into the decisions that an engineer, designer, or contractor must consider when choosing the appropriate bridge for each necessary location and use.
From the Paper "Bridges are an integral but often overlooked part of today's commuting society. Most drivers feel completely secure and grounded when on any well-designed bridge, even though they may in fact be hundreds of feet in the air above a large gap or body of water. Bridges are not only functional for travel, but may be the key to growth and survival of many areas that would otherwise remain in isolation. Bridges also have a way of becoming important historical and artistic landmarks, and many bridges receive engineering and even artistic awards. Many cities like San Francisco, for example, are as recognizable by the their bridges as by any other city landmark. There are many different kinds of bridges used today. Three of the more common and interesting types of bridge in common usage today is the suspension bridge, the cable stayed bridge, and the reinforced concrete bridge."
Abstract The paper discusses the fact that roads invariably require bridges to cross over roads and rivers, and as strong as the bridges may seem to be at the time of their construction, engineers have not been able to build corrosion-proof bridges. The paper highlights the problems associated with corrosion of steel reinforced concrete bridge girders as they are vitally important to travelers and to engineers. The paper also reviews the numerous studies that have been conducted, and provides recommendations for better predictability vis-a-vis when a bridge is due to be replaced.
Outline:
Table of Contents
List of Figures, Nomenclature, Introduction
Hypothesis of Theoretical Considerations
Procedure
Results
Discussion of Results
Conclusions
Recommendations
From the Paper "This paper provides a strong engineering and safety background into the problems associated with corrosion and bridges. The procedure used in this paper is presented through the careful examination of the existing literature. Some of the literature may be a few years old but the past is prologue; what went before is as relevant as what is going on today. Other literature presented is quite contemporary, and all of the materials presented in this paper are relevant. Especially relevant are studies that have been conducted six, seven, eight and more years ago; compared and contrasted with what engineers and scientists are saying in the latest bulletins and research documents. For example, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) offered standard specifications for highway bridges in the 1990s that seem to be practical and yet have clearly not provided a workable solution to the ongoing problems of corrosion.
In the article titled "Reliability of Reinforced Concrete Girders Under Corrosion Attack," the authors (Frangopol, et al, 1997) embrace the AASHTO strategy; first, the effects of corrosion "on both moment and shear reliabilities" are carefully investigated; second, a "reliability-based design approach" that is based on minimization of "total material cost including corrosion effects" is taken into consideration. This article suggests that taking into consideration the environmental stressors on concrete (due to corrosion), along with the AASHTO standards, can then be plugged into "reliability-based optimization software." That software is a product of the combining of general-purpose optimization software and a Monte Carlo simulation-based evaluation program.
Hence, the procedure for coming up with reliable estimates of the life expectancy of concrete girders comes in two phases, according to this research. Phase one spans the time from construction to corrosion initiation; phase two, from corrosion initiation to time when "unacceptable levels of section loss have occurred." But is this procedure proactive or reactive? The answer - it is indeed reactive, and it is also outdated. But nevertheless it should be researched and understood because it is part of the literature. Science cannot predict future conditions and dynamics based on models and hypotheses alone. A foundation for the projections of the future is based on evidence from the past. "
Abstract This is a paper about bridges. The author examines their function, history and design. Much attention is paid to different types of bridges such as arch, suspension, move-able bridges and floating bridges.
From the Paper " A bridge is a structure designed to provide continuous passage over an obstacle. Bridges commonly carry highways, railroad lines, and pathways over obstacles such as waterways, deep valleys, and other transportation routes. Bridges may also carry water, support power cables, or house telecommunications lines.(1)
Some special types of bridges are defined according to function. An overpass allows one transportation route, such as a highway or railroad line, to cross over another without traffic interference between the two routes. The overpass elevates one route to provide clearance to traffic on the lower level while still letting the higher level flow easily. An aqueduct transports water. Aqueducts have historically been used to supply drinking water to densely populated areas. A viaduct carries a railroad or highway over a land obstruction, such as a valley.(1)"
Abstract The paper notes that America's roads, highways and freeways invariably require bridges to cross over canyons, rivers and other uneven terrain, and, as strong as the bridges may seem to be at the time of their construction, the best of the best of engineers have not yet been able to build corrosion-proof bridges. The paper discusses the numerous studies that have been conducted as to how to best repair the damage to concrete slab / steel girder bridges, and notes that their results, taken in their entirety, provide solid background for further research into these issues.
From the Paper "According to a brief article in the journal Advanced Materials & Processes, a potentially effective and reliable way of protecting against steel rebar corrosion that seems inevitable in concrete bridges is by using zinc-hydrogel anode 4727. This product may provide "long-term electrochemical protection" against the deterioration of the steel rebar in the concrete, the article states. When this "pressure-sensitive" zinc-hydrogel solution is applied an "iconic current" is conducted. Wires run through the rebar grid once the concrete is covered thoroughly with the adhesive gel."
Abstract The following paper reviews a tale about a love story which encompasses all the tones and nuances of deep feeling and all the entanglement lovers feel with each other's sensitivities and interpretations of life. The writer of this paper touches on the themes and metaphors in this book as well as providing us with brief character sketches.
From the Paper ?In a ?Bridge to Terabithia,? Paterson writes of many common childhood desires, such as growing up, understand their own conscious, and dealing with death. Paterson uses the novel's style and setting to help get these messages across, and to create a moving book that children can read, enjoy, and learn from. Set in Appalachia, Paterson uses the dialect of the area, and the natural surroundings as an integral part of the novel. The children spend a lot of their time outdoors enjoying the beauty of nature, and they describe themselves with natural analogies, like Jess when he says is life is "delicate as a dandelion. One little puff from any direction, and it was blown to bits" (Paterson). They also speak in the language of the area, and their language is not always ?correct,? but it is the way children speak. Jess says, "ain"t? and "yes"m? a lot and it fits in the setting and character of the book perfectly.?
Abstract "When people in the United States today hear the term "London Bridge," they are most likely to think of one of the most peculiar sights anywhere within the United States that of the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
From the Paper "When people in the United States today hear the term "London Bridge," they are most likely to think of one of the most peculiar sights anywhere within the United States that of the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Surrounded by faked-up Tudor buildings and busloads of tourists, the large bridge is dwarfed by the majesty of the desert Southwest. The entire enterprise stands as a monument to a deep human appreciation for irony, for what else could explain the immense cost and energy that went into transporting such an immense structure such a long way for so very little purpose.
But this peculiar structure in the desert is in fact not the real London Bridge at all (if any bridge can in fact lay claim to that title, which seems unlikely), but the New London Bridge, designed in 1831 by the Scottish engineer John Rennie ..."
Abstract This paper is a review of the book "The Bridges of Madison County" by Robert James Waller. The writer points out that "The Bridges of Madison County" is this author's first novel and is a love story of a photographer and a farmer's wife. The paper begins with an overview of the main characters and the basic storyline of the book.
From the Paper "Bridges of Madison County is a romantic classic of the 1990s? based on a romance between a photographer and a farmer's wife who happen to come into each other's life and experience a passion and love which lasts with them forever. 52 year old divorcee Robert Kincaid travels to Iowa's Madison County to photograph the seven covered bridges for National Geographic. Once there, he asks directions to the home of Francesca Johnson, who at that time is alone at home while her husband and two children are visiting the Illinois State Fair. Thus begins a narrative of a profound love story between Francesa and Robert, an experience which would haunt them forever."
Abstract This paper discusses how, in "The Bridge of San Luis Rey", Thornton Wilder is trying to explore, with the reader, the meaning of life. It looks at how Wilder explores the theme of his novel through the point of view of a third person, Brother Juniper, who witnesses the collapse of the bridge of San Luis Rey and the death of five people. It also examines how the use of sunlight is symbolic of enlightenment and the message that the meaning of life is found among the living.
From the Paper "Just as the reader begins to feel that the purpose of life is to discover the meaning of love and the importance of expressing it unreservedly, Wilder raises another complication. The Marquesa is never given a chance to begin anew as she dies on the Bridge of San Luis Rey a few days later. The conflict begins again. What is the meaning of life? If the narrative is taken at face value, it all seems rather senseless, for after all, where is the point in achieving self-realization literally at the point of death? Unless, Wilder intended the reader to derive the meaning through evoking a sense of sympathy for the character of the Marquesa or even a sense of outrage at the waste."
Abstract The paper explains that the ?Old Brooklyn Bridge? is positively aglow with color and light; the painting is alive and active, its linear composition is stellar, and the palate reminiscent of the industrial age in which it was born. The author points out that she sees the painting with increasing awareness and a deeper understanding of the artist's intent, now understanding, in Berger's words, that art becomes "a record of how X had seen Y.? The paper reveals that the clearest structure the author could discern in the background was a strategically placed depiction of the bridge's recognizable towers.
From the Paper "Reflecting further on Berger's ?Ways of Seeing,? I recalled his section on perspective. One of the most remarkable aspects of Stella's painting is its linear perspective. The lines representing the suspension cables of the bridge converge in space. The most notable conversion occurs at the very top of the canvas, where at least two of these beams intersect. Had I not known they were suspension cables I might have thought they were beams of light or just abstract lines. Yet although Stella approaches an abstract rendition of the Brooklyn Bridge, this painting is not what I would call abstract."
Tags: industrial, perspective, intent, tower, color
Abstract This paper gives a brief biographical view of the works of Lloyd, Jeff and Beau Bridges. The writer summarizes the life of each of the three famous members of the family. The article mentions dates and places of birth outlines the career of each of the different actors. In the paper, the writer refers to various movies and television programs in which each of the Mr. Bridges became famous or starred. The article looks at milestones and memorable moments in the lives of these famous people.
From the Paper "Although Lloyd and Beau have both had illustrious careers, Jeff seems to have surpassed both his father and older brother. And not only has his career been more successful, it is said that no one who has ever worked with Jeff has a bad word to say about him (Jeff pp). Peter Bogdanovich, who directed him in the 1971 movie, "The Last Picture Show," has said, "I've never, ever heard of him pulling a star turn or showing ego," and John Goodman, who co-starred with Jeff in "The Big Lebowski," said, "It's like watching a diamond cutter...When you look at the diamond, you don't think of the work, you just notice there's no flaws" (Jeff pp)"
Abstract The paper analyzes the facets of the impressionistic style in the "Bridge at Argenteuil" by Claude Monet. The paper describes how the "Bridge at Argenteuil" is an innovative landscape that creates new ways to interpret color and light through the stylistics of Monet's impressionist approach.
From the Paper "Claude Monet painted The Bridge at Argenteuil in 1874, further innovating new insights into how impressionism would evolve in light of the classical realism as a dominant art style of his era. The clarity of form through Realist objectivity (the major influence of scientific thought) in many European works--especially those in Great Britain--was a major cultural opponent of Monet's painting style and unorthodox use of color and lighting. In the painting, Monet applies a series of short brushstrokes that result in a choppy formation of various colors, such as green, browns, and blue that build upon the reflection of the bridge, the sky, and the boat on the water."
