Hutteball + Oremus Architecture’s Post

𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗴𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘆 (𝗪𝗠) served as the Lead Designer for the Albemarle Intersection Design-Build Bundle; where one of the six intersection improvement projects included converting the traditional I-64 and US 250 (Exit 124) interchange in Charlottesville, VA into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) to improve operational capacity. 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣: 𝗪𝗠 refined the VDOT design concept by moving crossovers closer to I-64 and widening US 250 towards the existing median, while avoiding the existing bridge structures and additional environmental and ROW impacts. We developed an innovative concept to allow superload trucks to traverse through the middle of the DDI and avoid a lengthy detour due to load rated restrictions across the I-64 bridges. 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝘼𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙮𝙨𝙞𝙨: Using VISSIM and Synchro modeling, 𝗪𝗠 maximized mobility and confirmed adequate 2040 operations and signal timings for vehicle storage between DDI crossovers and accommodated proposed lane drops and adjacent intersections entrances. 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣: 𝗪𝗠 managed an integrated Maintenance of Traffic Plan with Erosion and Sediment Control phases that accommodated construction means and methods and met driver expectations through the work zone during construction. As part of the Traffic Management Plan, we scripted the switch over sequencing, and we were on-site to supervise the overnight installation of the DDI lane configuration. We developed temporary and final traffic signal designs that maintained an existing adaptive signal system; and designed final intersection lighting, signing and pavement markings that included new overhead guide sign structures. #innovation #wallacemontgomery

The software also performs back calculation that can simulate bridge collapse

Great overview of the history of Bentley in the words of the founders!

The story of Bentley Systems and our 40 year journey!

We learn a lot by knowing about structural engineering wonders and how they were conceptualized, designed, and constructed. We also learn a great deal by learning about collapses and disasters that happened with engineered structures so as to avoid such mishaps in the future. The ‘Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse’ is one of the most famous engineering failures in the history of structural engineering. It occurred on November 7, 1940, in Tacoma, just about a half-hour drive from Seattle, in the U.S. state of Washington. The bridge, which spanned the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound, had only been open for a few months when it began to experience violent vertical and torsional oscillations in windy conditions. As the oscillations increased in amplitude, the bridge ultimately failed catastrophically, twisting and collapsing into Puget Sound. The collapse was captured in a famous video that showed the dramatic oscillations before the failure. It led to major changes in how suspension bridges are studied, tested, and designed. You can watch the video here: https://lnkd.in/dRSXcbXb Some key facts about the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse are: 1. It was the third-longest suspension bridge span in the world at the time, at 2,800 feet (853 m). It is popularly known as the 'Galloping Gertie'. 2. The bridge's deck was very narrow and flexible, just 39 feet (12 m) wide. Engineers had not properly accounted for aerodynamic forces like flutter that can affect flexible structures. 3. On the day of collapse, winds of only 40 mph (64 km/h) triggered the oscillations that led to failure. 4. No lives were lost, but the failure underscored the importance of wind tunnel testing and aerodynamics in bridge design. 5. The primary cause of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse was aeroelastic flutter brought on by strong winds. Typically, trusses are used in bridge design to allow wind to flow through the structure. In contrast, in the case of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, it was forced to move above and below the structure, leading to flow separation. The bridge was reconstructed and now there are two parallel suspension bridges at the same location. #structuralengineering #disaster #civilengineering #wind #construction #seattle #tacomanarrows #usa 

Hello LinkedIn Community, I've been following Dr. Jawed for a while and wanted to share this insightful video that demonstrates how to identify zero-force members in a truss without any calculations. This is particularly useful in the preliminary design stages, providing a solid foundation for further analysis. Here are some key guidelines for identifying zero-force members: a) If two non-collinear members meet at a joint with no external load or support reaction, both members are zero-force members. The angle between them must be less than 180 degrees. b) When three members meet at a joint and two are collinear, the third member is a zero-force member, provided that no external load or support reaction acts at that joint. c) A diagonal member typically carries tension. If, during analysis, it is found that a diagonal member is in compression, it can be identified as a zero-force member. This often occurs when there is symmetry or when other conditions (such as those at unloaded joints) lead to the determination that no force is present. Zero-force members are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of a truss. They help prevent buckling in compression members by ensuring that these members are not too long or slender. Zero-force members also improve the overall stability and strength of the structure and offer alternate load paths if the loading conditions change due to dynamic effects like wind or earthquakes. Compression members should be designed with a greater cross-sectional area or thickness compared to tension members to better resist buckling #StructuralEngineering #CivilEngineering #TrussDesign #EngineeringTips #StructuralIntegrity #Construction #StructuralAnalysis #EngineeringCommunity #ZeroForceMembers #EngineeringDesign #BuildingSafety #DynamicLoading #EngineeringKnowledge #EngineeringInsights

"Excited to announce the completion of the 'Modeling Structures with Analytic Model' course from Bentley! 🎉 This course has enhanced my skills in structural analysis, helping me design more efficient and robust models. Ready to apply these insights in upcoming engineering projects! #Bentley #StructuralModeling #EngineeringExcellence #ContinuousLearning"

We know what this equation means so you don't have to. This is an important equation in the field of roadway design to create safe intersections. It’s used to determine the distance a driver can see at each part of an intersection. Why does this matter? Because not every intersection is properly designed and that can be a major contributor in vehicle accidents. That’s why we’re grateful to have Collin Hurler, PE on our team. Collin is a transportation engineer who works with our accident reconstructionists on cases involving roadway design and sight distance. We staff a variety of expertise so each case can receive a custom, multi-disciplinary team. #transportationengineer #accidentreconstruction

"Building the Foundations of Progress! 💼🔨 Excited to share a glimpse of our latest structural work. Every beam, every joint, is a testament to our dedication to precision and excellence. #ConstructionExcellence #StructuralEngineering #BuildingTheFuture"

What an exceptionally well-written and informative post about the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse! Your detailed explanation and key facts provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of this significant event in structural engineering history. Your ability to convey the complexities of the incident in an engaging and accessible manner is truly commendable. Thank you for sharing this valuable information Anisha A. Here are a few questions I have about this topic: 1. How have modern engineering practices changed in response to the lessons learned from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse? 2. What specific design modifications were implemented in the reconstruction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to prevent similar failures? 3. How do engineers currently test for and mitigate the effects of aeroelastic flutter in contemporary bridge designs?