Ice Loading on Piers for Minnesota’s Bridges

Status:  Active
Project Start Date:  07/05/2023

Summary:

The purpose of this research is to evaluate, refine, and determine appropriate parameters for ice loadings on bridge piers in Minnesota. Design ice loading methodologies in MnDOT bridge design manuals are well established nationally by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) LRFD; however, MnDOT specifies conservative ice parameters, including ice crushing strength and thickness, uniformly across the state. More cost-effective bridge designs may be possible considering appropriate ice loading thickness and ice crushing strength for different regions within Minnesota, especially given the variation across the state in current and future climate scenarios.

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