The removal of paint from bridges and other structures is a significant issue facing transportation agencies because of the presence and potential for release of lead and other contaminants upon disposal. A large percentage of the bridges are reaching a critical level of deterioration, resulting in management issues for paint waste. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) applies a conservative approach by assuming all waste generated from bridges previously painted with lead-based paint (LBP) is hazardous.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, as of December 2008, of the 600,905 bridges 72,868 (12.1%) were categorized as structurally deficient (SD) and 89,024 (14.8%) were categorized as functionally obsolete (FO). Despite healthy economy during the period of 1995-2005, the numbers of SD and FO bridges were on the rise. It is very clear that the current bridge evaluation and maintenance policies are not working efficiently. The high numbers of SD and FO bridges should not be allowed to continue to rise.

This report develops a Load and Resistance Factor Rating (NYS-LRFR) methodology for New York bridges. The methodology is applicable for the rating of existing bridges, the posting of under-strength bridges, and checking Permit trucks. The proposed LRFR methodology is calibrated to provide uniform reliability index values for all applications. The reliability calibration of live load factors is based on live load models developed using Truck Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) data collected from several representative New York sites.

This report develops a Load and Resistance Factor Rating (NYS-LRFR) methodology for New York bridges. The methodology is applicable for the rating of existing bridges, the posting of under-strength bridges, and checking Permit trucks. The proposed LRFR methodology is calibrated to provide uniform reliability index values for all applications. The reliability calibration of live load factors is based on live load models developed using Truck Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) data collected from several representative New York sites.

Bridges in New York State have been experiencing close to 200 bridge hits a year. These accidents are attributed to numerous factors including: improperly stored equipment on trucks; violation of vehicle posting signs; illegal commercial vehicles on parkways, etc.

Bridges in New York State have been experiencing close to 200 bridge hits a year. These accidents are attributed to numerous factors including: improperly stored equipment on trucks; violation of vehicle posting signs; illegal commercial vehicles on parkways, etc.

Bridges in New York State have been experiencing close to 200 bridge hits a year. These accidents are attributed to numerous factors including: improperly stored equipment on trucks; violation of vehicle posting signs; illegal commercial vehicles on parkways, etc.

Tens of thousands of bridges in the US develop transverse deck cracking due to concrete shrinkage. Transverse cracks are observed on various types of superstructures and in most geographical locations. They increase the maintenance cost, reduce bridge life through accelerated corrosion, cause water leakage, and impact aesthetics. Most researchers have tried to tackle this problem to date by focusing on changes in design and construction techniques, many of which have been implemented, but the problem still remains.

Tens of thousands of bridges in the US develop transverse deck cracking due to concrete shrinkage. Transverse cracks are observed on various types of superstructures and in most geographical locations. They increase the maintenance cost, reduce bridge life through accelerated corrosion, cause water leakage, and impact aes thetics. Most researchers have tried to tackle this problem to date by focusing on changes in design and construction techniques, many of which have been implemented, but the problem still remains.

An integral-abutment bridge is designed to transfer the temperature and traffic-induced horizontal loading
to its foundation by the use of a continuous joint between the superstructure and its abutment. The
connection eliminates the need for bearings, which have been a source of expensive rehabilitation, and
accommodates the horizontal movement through a flexible stub-abutment supported on piles. Although
integral abutments have been used successfully by many states, a nationally accepted design methodology