By:  Dan Parker, PE

By analytically simulating the steps in the construction process, including the sequence of concrete placements, and tracking the history of the material behavior starting from initial placement, the potential for cracking is evaluated by comparing the time dependent stress and strains to the concrete cracking resistance and capacity.

Aging Infrastructure Issues

The infrastructure in the United States is aging and, whether publicly or privately owned, significant resources are required to repair, replace, or modernize it.  Due to the high costs associated with these efforts, owners need to identify structures with high risk-of-failure consequences and find the most cost-effective solutions for rehabilitation.  High consequence infrastructure includes:

• Highway and railway bridges,
• Roadways for intra and interstate transportation,
• Dams, locks, and levees for flood control and cargo transportation,
• High rise business, apartment, and condominium towers, and
• Power generation and distribution facilities for Nuclear, Fossil and Hydro utilities.