Center for the Aging Infrastructure: Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training and Education Engineering Center - SBRITE

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General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(281)
Former Study Number:
Lead Organization: Indiana Department of Transportation
Contract Start Date: May 10, 2013
Solicitation Number: 1334
Partners: FHWA, IADOT, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, NM, SD, TX, WI
Status: Objectives fulfilled
Est. Completion Date: May 10, 2021
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023
Contract End Date: Jun 30, 2021
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Suggested Contribution:
Total Commitments Received: $2,503,237.00
100% SP&R Approval: Approved
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Tommy Nantung
tnantung@indot.in.gov
Phone: 765-463-1521 ext 248
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Justin Ocel
justin.ocel@dot.gov
Phone: 202- 281-8213
Study Champion(s): Anne Rearick
arearick@indot.in.gov
Phone: 317-232-5152
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name
Federal Highway Administration 2013 $50,000.00 Joey Hartmann Debra Rinderknecht
Illinois Department of Transportation 2013 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2014 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2016 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2017 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2018 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2019 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2020 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson
Illinois Department of Transportation 2021 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson
Indiana Department of Transportation 2013 $138,237.00 Anne Rearick Tommy Nantung
Indiana Department of Transportation 2014 $820,000.00 Anne Rearick Tommy Nantung
Iowa Department of Transportation 2014 $30,000.00 Scott Neubauer -- --
Iowa Department of Transportation 2015 $30,000.00 Scott Neubauer -- --
Kansas Department of Transportation 2013 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour
Kansas Department of Transportation 2014 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour
Kansas Department of Transportation 2015 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour
Kansas Department of Transportation 2016 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour
Kansas Department of Transportation 2017 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour
Kansas Department of Transportation 2018 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour
Kansas Department of Transportation 2019 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour
Kansas Department of Transportation 2020 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour
Kansas Department of Transportation 2021 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour
Michigan Department of Transportation 2018 $50,000.00 Rebecca Curtis Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2019 $30,000.00 Rebecca Curtis Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2020 $30,000.00 Rebecca Curtis Andre' Clover
Michigan Department of Transportation 2021 $15,000.00 Rebecca Curtis Andre' Clover
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2013 $50,000.00 Todd Niemann Debbie Sinclair
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2014 $50,000.00 Todd Niemann Debbie Sinclair
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2015 $50,000.00 Todd Niemann Debbie Sinclair
New Mexico Department of Transportation 2021 $150,000.00 Will Kessler Angelo Armijo
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2013 $30,000.00 Steve Johnson David Huft
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2014 $30,000.00 Steve Johnson David Huft
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2016 $0.00 Steve Johnson David Huft
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2017 $30,000.00 Steve Johnson David Huft
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2018 $30,000.00 Steve Johnson David Huft
Texas Department of Transportation 2020 $50,000.00 Steven Austin Ned Mattila
Texas Department of Transportation 2021 $50,000.00 Steven Austin Ned Mattila
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2016 $50,000.00 Scot Becker Ethan Severson
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2018 $50,000.00 Scot Becker Ethan Severson

Study Description

General As infrastructure continues to age, the engineers who designed and had first-hand knowledge of the then new structures (e.g., the Interstate era), eventually exit the workforce. Further, engineering programs, research, and associated coursework move forward and evolve over time. Obviously, these advances in education are essential to progress with new designs and new materials. However, the vast majority of the infrastructure is comprised of structures built with older materials, design philosophies, and construction practices that are no longer discussed in the classroom. The average age of a steel bridge in Indiana is about 50 years, and similar statistics are found throughout the US. Further, most of the major “landmark” river crossings are steel structures that are approaching or exceeded their design lives. A quick review of the brides crossing the Ohio, Hudson, or Mississippi Rivers provides stark reminders of the age of our infrastructure. Unfortunately, in many cases, this has left these critical structures effectively abandoned when it comes to ensuring their “healthcare” professionals are adequately trained. Clearly, a well rounded workforce must include engineers prepared to design the structures of the future working hand-in-hand with engineers prepared to maintain the structures of the past. To successfully maintain the existing steel bridge inventory, expertise is needed in the areas of deterioration, fatigue, fracture, corrosion, repair/retrofit, coatings, materials, NDE, riveting, welding, fabrication, etc. There are multiple reasons for this loss of expertise, including budget cuts, natural attrition, and a diminishing pool of technical expertise related to aging infrastructure. Regardless of the cause, the effects are clearly seen in DOTs across the United States. Some of these needs must be addressed through new research, while others can be addressed through improved training. In some select cases, individual experts are needed for specific consultation in order to solve unique complex problems. Utilizing some of Purdue’s existing strengths in education and research, the S-BRITE Center will engage faculty and engineers from around the country in order to explore partnership opportunities in training and research. Finally, a “Distributed Expertise Network” (DEN), which includes specific experts from inside and outside of Purdue will be created to assist partners with specific complex problems. The S-BRITE Center will fill a growing need in the transportation industry as relates to existing and aging steel bridges.

Objectives

The objective is to develop the Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training, and Education Engineering Center (S-BRITE Engineering Center) focused on existing steel highway bridges. This National Center will be the first of its kind and will become the leading education, training, research, and engineering center related to all aspects affecting the existing aging steel bridge and structure inventory. Although the Center will be focused on highway bridges, it will also support stakeholders of steel railroad bridges as well as steel ancillary structures, such as lighting towers and sign supports. The Center will contribute to improved asset management decisions for DOTs, FHWA, and other partners relative to existing steel bridge inventory. This impact will be realized by ensuring existence of the following: • High quality inspection data • Advanced predictive models • Improved management decisions • Timely and effective execution This will be accomplished by providing solutions to the following: • inspection reliability issues • inadequate technical expertise • training and education opportunities for students and professionals • short-term and long-term research needs Once the center is successfully operational, other materials and systems, such as concrete, presstressed, and post-tensioned structures may be added.

Scope of Work

Educational Aspects A long-term goal of the S-BRITE Center is to create the next generation of bridge engineers and inspectors who are properly educated to be effective stewards of the existing aging steel bridge inventory. At the university level, the development of a new “minor” or certificate within Civil Engineering is proposed that will prepare engineering students for a career in the area of transportation structures. At the professional level, high-quality, specialized short courses for professionals will be developed and targeted at those individuals currently responsible for the existing infrastructure. The courses would go beyond the current NHI course level. The Center would collaborate with external technical schools, in order to develop a new area of educational expertise, specifically, the Steel Bridge Infrastructure Specialist. Both one and two-year degree programs are envisioned and would involve the development of several new courses within existing degree programs. A major goal is to develop training and performance testing criteria to establish rational criteria for defining a “team leader” and developing reliable inspection protocols. Further, performance testing methodologies and criteria will be developed and implemented to improve the reliability of inspections by those who are certified through the Center. Bridge Component Gallery Although training, education, and research are the overall focus of the Center, the cornerstone of the S-BRITE Engineering Center will be a multi-acre gallery which will include full-scale bridge structures, portions of complete structures, and individual components that will include a host of common and uncommon details used in steel bridges. Similar centers exist for the aircraft, ship, and offshore industries, though nothing has been developed for the steel bridge industry. The gallery will provide a unique hands-on experience for education of individuals of all levels regarding steel fabrication, deterioration, inspection techniques, etc. Since the bridge components will not actually be in service and will be in more accessible conditions, costly traffic control and extensive fall-protection will not be required during training. However, they will be situated so that real-world conditions exist to truly simulate in-situ inspection conditions. Having such a “living laboratory” will also be incredibly useful for research tools being developed for inspection, durability modeling, and performance testing of inspectors. Distributed Expertise Network (DEN) To help fill the technical voids found at most DOTs, a unique team of experts will be assembled through the S-BRITE Center to create a Distributed Expertise Network (the DEN). Some of these individuals will be housed locally at the Center while others will be located at their respective institution. The DEN will serve the role that no longer exists in many individual state DOTs today, specifically the existence of a group of highly specialized technical experts that are “on-call” to assist as issues arise. These experts will effectively be “on call” to the Center and the participants, and will be able to travel to the participant’s location if required and per the funding level provided. There would be no need for special subcontracts between the individual state and the expert since the contracts will already be in place as participants of the Center.

Comments

Levels of Commitment Since states have different needs and resources, three different levels or “tiers” of contributions have been developed with each tier receiving defined benefits. Participants will be stakeholders in the direction of the Center, research program directions, and coursework development. Details are contained in the Table below and are “per” year benefits. PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE FILE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AS TO THE SPECIFIC BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH TIER. Categories Approximate Distribution of Commitment Tier 1A, $30,000/year Tier 1B, $30,000/year Tier 2, $50,000/year Tier 3, $100,000/year Tier 4, $150,000/year

Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
TPF 5(281) and TPF-5(486) Quarterly Progress Report March 2022 TPF 5(281) and TPF-5(486) Quarterly Progress Report March 2022.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2022-04-20
Quarterly Progress Report December 2021 TPF 5(486) Quarterly Progress Report December 2021.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2022-01-31
TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report September 2021 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report September 2021.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2021-10-12
TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report June 2021 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report June 2021.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2021-07-14
Quarterly Progress Report: January - March 2021 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report March 2021.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2021-04-06
Quarterly Progress Report: October - December 2020 TPF-5(281)Quarterly Progress Report October - December 2020.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2021-02-05
Quarterly Progress Report: July - Sept 2020 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report September 2020.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2020-11-02
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2020 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report June 2020.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2020-07-30
Quarterly Progress Report: January - March 2020 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report March 2020.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2020-04-27
Quarterly Progress Report: October - December 2019 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report Dec 2019.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2020-02-25
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2019 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report June 2019.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2019-11-21
Quarterly Progress Report: July - Sept 2019 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report September 2019.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2019-11-01
Progress Report: April - June 2017 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2017.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2017-07-10
Quarterly Progress Report: Jan - Mar 2017 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2017.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2017-06-11
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2016 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2016.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2016-08-12
Quarterly Progress Report: Jan - Mar 2016 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2016.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2016-06-30
Quarterly Progress Report: Oct - December 2015 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Oct - December 2015.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2016-02-27
Quarterly Progress Report: July - September 2015 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Jul - Sept 2015.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2015-12-02
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2015 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2015.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2015-08-31
Quarterly Progress Report: Oct - December 2014 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Oct - December 2014.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2015-02-19
Quarterly Progress Report: July - September 2014 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Jun - September 2014.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2014-11-01
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2014 TPF 5-281 Quarterly Progress Report April - June 2014.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2014-07-31
Quarterly Progress Report: January - March 2014 Quarterly Progress Report January - March 2014.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2014-04-30
Quarterly Progress Report: October - December 2013 TPF 5(281) QPR for October to December 2013.pdf Progress Report Quarterly Progress Report Public 2014-01-31
Acceptance Memo TPF5-281 accept memo.pdf Memorandum Other Public 2013-07-03
Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
Proposal for the Center for the Aging Infrastructure: Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training and Education Engineering Center - SBRITE IN Pooled Fund Solicitation FY 2013 Updated 2.pdf TPF Study Documentation Solicitation Public 2013-04-18

Center for the Aging Infrastructure: Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training and Education Engineering Center - SBRITE

General Information
Study Number: TPF-5(281)
Lead Organization: Indiana Department of Transportation
Contract Start Date: May 10, 2013
Solicitation Number: 1334
Partners: FHWA, IADOT, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, NM, SD, TX, WI
Status: Objectives fulfilled
Est. Completion Date: May 10, 2021
Contract/Other Number:
Last Updated: Feb 06, 2023
Contract End Date: Jun 30, 2021
Financial Summary
Contract Amount:
Total Commitments Received: $2,503,237.00
100% SP&R Approval:
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Tommy Nantung
tnantung@indot.in.gov
Phone: 765-463-1521 ext 248
FHWA Technical Liaison(s): Justin Ocel
justin.ocel@dot.gov
Phone: 202- 281-8213
Commitments by Organizations
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Federal Highway Administration 2013 $50,000.00 Joey Hartmann Debra Rinderknecht (202) 366-2845 Debra.Rinderknecht@dot.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2013 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2014 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2016 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2017 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2018 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2019 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2020 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Illinois Department of Transportation 2021 $30,000.00 Tim Armbrecht Megan Swanson 217-782-3547 Megan.Swanson@illinois.gov
Indiana Department of Transportation 2013 $138,237.00 Anne Rearick Tommy Nantung 765-463-1521 ext 248 tnantung@indot.in.gov
Indiana Department of Transportation 2014 $820,000.00 Anne Rearick Tommy Nantung 765-463-1521 ext 248 tnantung@indot.in.gov
Iowa Department of Transportation 2014 $30,000.00 Scott Neubauer -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Iowa Department of Transportation 2015 $30,000.00 Scott Neubauer -- -- -- Transfer.Research@iowadot.us
Kansas Department of Transportation 2013 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour 785-291-3847 David.Behzadpour@ks.gov
Kansas Department of Transportation 2014 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour 785-291-3847 David.Behzadpour@ks.gov
Kansas Department of Transportation 2015 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour 785-291-3847 David.Behzadpour@ks.gov
Kansas Department of Transportation 2016 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour 785-291-3847 David.Behzadpour@ks.gov
Kansas Department of Transportation 2017 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour 785-291-3847 David.Behzadpour@ks.gov
Kansas Department of Transportation 2018 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour 785-291-3847 David.Behzadpour@ks.gov
Kansas Department of Transportation 2019 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour 785-291-3847 David.Behzadpour@ks.gov
Kansas Department of Transportation 2020 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour 785-291-3847 David.Behzadpour@ks.gov
Kansas Department of Transportation 2021 $50,000.00 Mark Hoppe David Behzadpour 785-291-3847 David.Behzadpour@ks.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2018 $50,000.00 Rebecca Curtis Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2019 $30,000.00 Rebecca Curtis Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2020 $30,000.00 Rebecca Curtis Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Transportation 2021 $15,000.00 Rebecca Curtis Andre' Clover 517-749-9001 clovera@michigan.gov
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2013 $50,000.00 Todd Niemann Debbie Sinclair 651-336-3746 debbie.sinclair@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2014 $50,000.00 Todd Niemann Debbie Sinclair 651-336-3746 debbie.sinclair@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2015 $50,000.00 Todd Niemann Debbie Sinclair 651-336-3746 debbie.sinclair@state.mn.us
New Mexico Department of Transportation 2021 $150,000.00 Will Kessler Angelo Armijo (505)372-8757 Angelo.Armijo@dot.nm.gov
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2013 $30,000.00 Steve Johnson David Huft 605-773-3358 dave.huft@state.sd.us
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2014 $30,000.00 Steve Johnson David Huft 605-773-3358 dave.huft@state.sd.us
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2016 $0.00 Steve Johnson David Huft 605-773-3358 dave.huft@state.sd.us
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2017 $30,000.00 Steve Johnson David Huft 605-773-3358 dave.huft@state.sd.us
South Dakota Department of Transportation 2018 $30,000.00 Steve Johnson David Huft 605-773-3358 dave.huft@state.sd.us
Texas Department of Transportation 2020 $50,000.00 Steven Austin Ned Mattila 512-416-4727 ned.mattila@txdot.gov
Texas Department of Transportation 2021 $50,000.00 Steven Austin Ned Mattila 512-416-4727 ned.mattila@txdot.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2016 $50,000.00 Scot Becker Ethan Severson 608-266-1457 ethanp.severson@dot.wi.gov
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2018 $50,000.00 Scot Becker Ethan Severson 608-266-1457 ethanp.severson@dot.wi.gov

Study Description

Study Description

General As infrastructure continues to age, the engineers who designed and had first-hand knowledge of the then new structures (e.g., the Interstate era), eventually exit the workforce. Further, engineering programs, research, and associated coursework move forward and evolve over time. Obviously, these advances in education are essential to progress with new designs and new materials. However, the vast majority of the infrastructure is comprised of structures built with older materials, design philosophies, and construction practices that are no longer discussed in the classroom. The average age of a steel bridge in Indiana is about 50 years, and similar statistics are found throughout the US. Further, most of the major “landmark” river crossings are steel structures that are approaching or exceeded their design lives. A quick review of the brides crossing the Ohio, Hudson, or Mississippi Rivers provides stark reminders of the age of our infrastructure. Unfortunately, in many cases, this has left these critical structures effectively abandoned when it comes to ensuring their “healthcare” professionals are adequately trained. Clearly, a well rounded workforce must include engineers prepared to design the structures of the future working hand-in-hand with engineers prepared to maintain the structures of the past. To successfully maintain the existing steel bridge inventory, expertise is needed in the areas of deterioration, fatigue, fracture, corrosion, repair/retrofit, coatings, materials, NDE, riveting, welding, fabrication, etc. There are multiple reasons for this loss of expertise, including budget cuts, natural attrition, and a diminishing pool of technical expertise related to aging infrastructure. Regardless of the cause, the effects are clearly seen in DOTs across the United States. Some of these needs must be addressed through new research, while others can be addressed through improved training. In some select cases, individual experts are needed for specific consultation in order to solve unique complex problems. Utilizing some of Purdue’s existing strengths in education and research, the S-BRITE Center will engage faculty and engineers from around the country in order to explore partnership opportunities in training and research. Finally, a “Distributed Expertise Network” (DEN), which includes specific experts from inside and outside of Purdue will be created to assist partners with specific complex problems. The S-BRITE Center will fill a growing need in the transportation industry as relates to existing and aging steel bridges.

Objectives

The objective is to develop the Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training, and Education Engineering Center (S-BRITE Engineering Center) focused on existing steel highway bridges. This National Center will be the first of its kind and will become the leading education, training, research, and engineering center related to all aspects affecting the existing aging steel bridge and structure inventory. Although the Center will be focused on highway bridges, it will also support stakeholders of steel railroad bridges as well as steel ancillary structures, such as lighting towers and sign supports. The Center will contribute to improved asset management decisions for DOTs, FHWA, and other partners relative to existing steel bridge inventory. This impact will be realized by ensuring existence of the following: • High quality inspection data • Advanced predictive models • Improved management decisions • Timely and effective execution This will be accomplished by providing solutions to the following: • inspection reliability issues • inadequate technical expertise • training and education opportunities for students and professionals • short-term and long-term research needs Once the center is successfully operational, other materials and systems, such as concrete, presstressed, and post-tensioned structures may be added.

Scope of Work

Educational Aspects A long-term goal of the S-BRITE Center is to create the next generation of bridge engineers and inspectors who are properly educated to be effective stewards of the existing aging steel bridge inventory. At the university level, the development of a new “minor” or certificate within Civil Engineering is proposed that will prepare engineering students for a career in the area of transportation structures. At the professional level, high-quality, specialized short courses for professionals will be developed and targeted at those individuals currently responsible for the existing infrastructure. The courses would go beyond the current NHI course level. The Center would collaborate with external technical schools, in order to develop a new area of educational expertise, specifically, the Steel Bridge Infrastructure Specialist. Both one and two-year degree programs are envisioned and would involve the development of several new courses within existing degree programs. A major goal is to develop training and performance testing criteria to establish rational criteria for defining a “team leader” and developing reliable inspection protocols. Further, performance testing methodologies and criteria will be developed and implemented to improve the reliability of inspections by those who are certified through the Center. Bridge Component Gallery Although training, education, and research are the overall focus of the Center, the cornerstone of the S-BRITE Engineering Center will be a multi-acre gallery which will include full-scale bridge structures, portions of complete structures, and individual components that will include a host of common and uncommon details used in steel bridges. Similar centers exist for the aircraft, ship, and offshore industries, though nothing has been developed for the steel bridge industry. The gallery will provide a unique hands-on experience for education of individuals of all levels regarding steel fabrication, deterioration, inspection techniques, etc. Since the bridge components will not actually be in service and will be in more accessible conditions, costly traffic control and extensive fall-protection will not be required during training. However, they will be situated so that real-world conditions exist to truly simulate in-situ inspection conditions. Having such a “living laboratory” will also be incredibly useful for research tools being developed for inspection, durability modeling, and performance testing of inspectors. Distributed Expertise Network (DEN) To help fill the technical voids found at most DOTs, a unique team of experts will be assembled through the S-BRITE Center to create a Distributed Expertise Network (the DEN). Some of these individuals will be housed locally at the Center while others will be located at their respective institution. The DEN will serve the role that no longer exists in many individual state DOTs today, specifically the existence of a group of highly specialized technical experts that are “on-call” to assist as issues arise. These experts will effectively be “on call” to the Center and the participants, and will be able to travel to the participant’s location if required and per the funding level provided. There would be no need for special subcontracts between the individual state and the expert since the contracts will already be in place as participants of the Center.

Comments

Levels of Commitment Since states have different needs and resources, three different levels or “tiers” of contributions have been developed with each tier receiving defined benefits. Participants will be stakeholders in the direction of the Center, research program directions, and coursework development. Details are contained in the Table below and are “per” year benefits. PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE FILE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AS TO THE SPECIFIC BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH TIER. Categories Approximate Distribution of Commitment Tier 1A, $30,000/year Tier 1B, $30,000/year Tier 2, $50,000/year Tier 3, $100,000/year Tier 4, $150,000/year

Title File/Link Type Private
TPF 5(281) and TPF-5(486) Quarterly Progress Report March 2022 TPF 5(281) and TPF-5(486) Quarterly Progress Report March 2022.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report December 2021 TPF 5(486) Quarterly Progress Report December 2021.pdf Progress Report Public
TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report September 2021 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report September 2021.pdf Progress Report Public
TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report June 2021 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report June 2021.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: January - March 2021 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report March 2021.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: October - December 2020 TPF-5(281)Quarterly Progress Report October - December 2020.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: July - Sept 2020 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report September 2020.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2020 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report June 2020.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: January - March 2020 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Progress Report March 2020.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: October - December 2019 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report Dec 2019.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2019 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report June 2019.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: July - Sept 2019 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report September 2019.pdf Progress Report Public
Progress Report: April - June 2017 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2017.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: Jan - Mar 2017 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2017.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2016 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2016.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: Jan - Mar 2016 TPF 5(281) Quarterly Report Jan - Mar 2016.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: Oct - December 2015 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Oct - December 2015.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: July - September 2015 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Jul - Sept 2015.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2015 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Apr - Jun 2015.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: Oct - December 2014 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Oct - December 2014.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: July - September 2014 TPF-5(281) Quarterly Report Jun - September 2014.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: April - June 2014 TPF 5-281 Quarterly Progress Report April - June 2014.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: January - March 2014 Quarterly Progress Report January - March 2014.pdf Progress Report Public
Quarterly Progress Report: October - December 2013 TPF 5(281) QPR for October to December 2013.pdf Progress Report Public
Acceptance Memo TPF5-281 accept memo.pdf Memorandum Public
Title File/Link Type Private
Proposal for the Center for the Aging Infrastructure: Steel Bridge Research, Inspection, Training and Education Engineering Center - SBRITE IN Pooled Fund Solicitation FY 2013 Updated 2.pdf TPF Study Documentation Public

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