Page 151 - Bridge and Highway Structure Rehabilitation and Repair

126 SECTION 1 ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

9. Hazardous and inflammable materials and explosives.
10. Extreme hot and cold weather conditions.
11. Failure of steel ropes, chains, slings, or hoisting gear.
12. Lack of a fall protection net.
13. Electrical shock.
14. Malfunction of conveyors, equipment, and instruments.
15. Slippery surfaces.
16. Lack of helmets and safety gear.
17. Fear of heights and dizziness.
18. High noise level.
19. Poor health, hearing, or eyesight, absent mindedness, fear, and anxiety.
20. Lifting of heavy objects and materials.
21. Exposure to radiation, chemicals, and lead paint.
22. Working in poor lighting or a confi ned space.
23. Lack of ventilation.
24. Pipe burst.
3.21.4 Priority Issues During Construction

1. Eliminate hazards.
2. Minimize hazard level.

3. Introduce safety devices, fire extinguishers, first aid and access to hospitals.
4. Provide warnings.
5. Provide safety gear and equipment.
6. Provide head, eye, and hearing protection.
7. Provide safety training to workers.
8. Training in lifting methods and recommended weight limit.
9. Implement safety procedures.

Accelerated bridge construction needs to be promoted. This will minimize long duration
construction projects. The use of precast decks and frames, transport tractor trailers, and high-
capacity cranes is desirable.
The use of lightweight aggregate concrete for reducing dead weight moments and self-con-

solidating and fiber reinforced polymer concrete are helpful.
Other innovations as discussed in this book need to be investigated, as well.
3.21.5 Improving Knowledge Databases
Progress should be made in the development of applied mechanics and structural mechanics
theorems to boundary value problems in obtaining more accurate and closed form solutions.

Application of refined theories such as:
1. Assessment of arching action in deck slabs at supports and boundaries as recommended
by AASHTO LRFD Specifications. The author’s research results justify the inclusion of

membrane forces in deck slab and T-beam action. (The author’s investigation is explained
in Chapter 4.)
2. Analysis of initial curvature (camber) in girders on dead and live load deflections and stress

distribution.
3. Analysis of shear deflection for deck and girder overhangs in piers.