Refining Ice Loading for Minnesota Bridges - Phase II Continued Data Collection

Summary

Design methodologies for ice loading in MnDOT's bridge design manuals follow the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) standards, but MnDOT applies conservative ice parameters, such as uniform ice thickness and crushing strength, statewide. This one-size-fits-all approach may lead to overly conservative and costly bridge designs, especially given Minnesota's regional climate variability. More efficient and cost-effective designs may be achieved by refining ice loading parameters to reflect regional differences in ice conditions, both current and projected. This project aims to evaluate and refine Minnesota's design ice loadings for bridge piers by expanding existing ice measurement efforts. Currently, MnDOT-funded research is collecting two years of ice loading data from two bridge sites. Extending data collection by an additional two years and adding simplified monitoring at more sites will significantly enrich the dataset. This will better capture the variability of ice loading on small to intermediate rivers and enhance understanding of regional differences. The installation of ice loading sensors required considerable collaboration and effort from MnDOT, county, and university staff. Continuing data collection leverages that investment, maximizing its value. The primary objectives of Phase II are to 1) continue to refine researchers? understanding of river ice on small to intermediate sized rivers by expanding datasets over additional years; 2) evaluate how river characteristics influence ice parameters and ice loading by expanding dataset with cameras to record ice formation and movement at additional sites; and 3) provide more effective and efficient bridge pier design methodologies for ice loading in Minnesota.