Topic: Eliminating Bridge Joints with Link Slabs and Two-Bar Metal Rail MASH Crash Tests
Link slabs are used to eliminate bridge joints over interior bents by making the bridge deck continuous while maintaining the underlying girders as simply supported. NCDOT Structures Management Unit (SMU) provided updated link slab policy and guidance in October 2021. The workshop will discuss the design approach used by SMU in developing the Link Slab Design Tables and how to use the tables during plan development.
SMU will also share MASH crash test results for the two-bar metal rail (2BMR) from a recently completed research project with UNC-Charlotte.
Speakers:
Trey Carroll, P.E. is a NCDOT – Structures Management Unit (SMU) Project Engineer. He supervises SMU’s Policy Development, Manuals, Standards and Specifications group and the Asset Management Data group. He is a North Carolina registered Professional Engineer and has worked in the Structures Management Unit for over 10 years.
Nick Pierce, P.E. - is a NCDOT Bridge Engineer.