Showing papers in "Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities in 1988"

Performance of Jointless Bridges

Abstract: Over the years, bridge deck expansion joints have performed poorly, resulting in structural distress and other ill effects. In an attempt to remedy this situation, 28 states have constructed long, multiple‐span highway bridges without expansion joints. For this paper, jointless bridges in three states, California, New York, and Tennessee, were inspected to assess their performance. Case studies for bridges in each state are summarized, and problems encountered by the states with bridges of this type are presented and discussed.

Fuzzy set concepts for evaluating performance of constructed facilities

Abstract: The frequent complex construction procedures of constructed facilities have led to the inevitable use of linguistic expression in the specificationre generated based on the specifier’s subjective judgment, while those commonly encountered during and following construction are often used for assessing the performance of the facilities. The use of such expressions has often caused their misinterpretation. This, in turn, results in inadequate performance and subsequently in the failure of the constructed facilities. To overcome these problems, the use of fuzzy set concept is suggested. This concept quantifies the linguistic values and translates them into graphical models. The use of a fuzzy average rule and fuzzy algebra are introduced for integrating subjective judgments of the assessors, leading to the overall performance rating. An example using graphical display is demonstrated. Despite the innovativeness of the concept introduced for assessing the performance of constructed facilities, the method demonstrated herein is relatively simple to follow and easy to understand.

Investigation of the Collapse of L'Ambiance Plaza

Abstract: Results from an investigation of the collapse of the L'Ambiance Plaza building on April 23, 1987, are presented. The building was being constructed using the liftslab method; collapse occurred duri...

Sensors for Infrastructure Assessment

Abstract: Infrastructure facilities management is a civil engineering task that will grow in significance throughout the next century Many of the tools and techniques that currently support design and new construction do not apply to this emerging area A critical need exists for better tools and supporting information to support M&R (maintenance and rehabilitation) decisions Inventory, condition, and performance data describing the physical status of facilities and components are a primary information source supporting these decisions These physical assessment data, which serve as the basis of billions of M&R expenditure dollars, are currently incomplete, inaccessible, or nonexistent This situation leads to costly reactive maintenance and project overruns, and prevents organizations from implementing rational M&R programs In contrast, the recent revolution in sensors, electronics, and computers has made technology available that can rapidly collect this physical data and automatically enter it into the management database Recent developments in this area demonstrate the promise of technology, but there is a long way to go before it will have a significant impact on infrastructure facilities management Impediments to the full exploitation of this technology lie in the lack of a profit motive, the need to adapt traditional management methods to the new information capabilities, and the lack of a clear-cut rational for technological performance specifications These hudrles pose a challenge that can only be met with a perspective that integrates knowledge of materials, structures, sensors, data acquisition systems, computers, facilities and database management, and decision analysis The challenge is to civil engineering departments and educators, to structure interdisciplinary programs that produce researchers and practitioners with a comprehensive perspective on infrastructure management

Mediation of Construction Disputes

Abstract: There is widespread disappointment in procedures for resolving disputes in the construction industry which rely on rulings by an uninvolved third party based on arguments by a spokesman for the plaintiff and defendant. Direct negotiation by the parties in dispute is the core of mediation. Mediation deals with the relationship between disputing parties and also the future behavior of the parties to achieve continuing cooperation. However, acceptance of the mediation process often seems to fly on the face of customary human behavior and construction practice. It is important to understand the process and to overcome the obstacles to its use. Mediation by parties committed fo finding reasonable solutions to disputes can result in a “win win” agreement drafted by the disputants. The agreement will resolve the immediate problems while enabling both sides to come away with something, having given something and having aired their positions Almost every construction dispute deserves a first day in mediation.

Roof Collapse under Snowdrift Loading and Snowdrift Design Criteria

Abstract: This paper summarizes an investigation of the roof collapse that occurred at Waterville Junior High School in Waterville, Maine, on February 9, 1978, after a heavy snowstorm. The primary cause of the collapse is found to be that load from drifting snow was not considered in the design; the physical cause is therefore found to be severe overloading of open web joists. Had the designer followed accepted engineering practice standards for drifting snow existing at the time of design, the collapse would not have occurred. The paper also compares the snowdrifts observed at Waterville Junior High School to accepted engineering practice at the time of design, to other observations of snowdrifts, and to recent code criteria for snow drifts. The proper character of drift loads is found not to have been recognized by the structural engineering profession at the time of the collapse, and presently, the ability of the profession to predict snowdrifts and their loads is limited. Recommendations for improving predictions of snowdrift loads using recent code criteria are presented.

Tall Steel Tanks: Failure, Design, and Repair

Abstract: An organic cohesive material derived from soybeans was stored in a set of five tall unstiffened steel tanks that were equipped with conventional conical hoppers. Stagnant material caused by funnel flow compacted during hot humid weather into solid masses that formed material domes inside the tanks. Collapse of these domes distorted the tank walls and hoppers and compromised their safety; tank collapse was possible. An investigation indicated that a simple repair solution consisted of: (1) Substituting specially designed hoppers for the existing hoppers in order to promote mass rather than funnel flow; and (2) providing a set of vertical stiffeners to each tank shell. Two new steel tanks were also designed that incorporated these features. Stainless steel plates were used for the hopper because their enhanced smoothness promotes mass flow. Since completion of the work in 1982, all tanks have been in continuous operation, and none of the past problems has recurred.

Facing down the hired gun

Abstract: Expert witnesses who blindly advocate the position of those who have retained them abuse the special privileges they are given in court. Experts' opinions should not be biased by the position of their clients. They are engaged by their clients to serve the trier of fact by relating honest, objective opinions and conclusions. To strengthen awareness of proper performance, major associations of design professionals have together promulgated a set of recommended practices that articulates their unanimous sentiments about what is—and is not—proper conduct for experts. These recommendations are expected to provide guidance to design professionals and attorneys who engage or test the credibility of experts.

ADR and Construction Disputes: The Minitrial

Abstract: In recent years, one form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in particular, the minitrial, has been highly successful in resolving disputes that involve mixed questions of law and fact; that is, where the disagreement centers on how the facts of a particular case apply to existing, settled law. Construction disputes, which frequently involve numerous issues of fact, are often excellent candidates for ADR. This article summarizes the characteristics of a minitrial, outlines how the procedure works, and shows how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used it with great success to resolve its dispute over the construction of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

Use and Misuse of Exterior Travertine Cladding

Abstract: Travertine is a white to brown natural building stone characterized by random holes and veins that give it a “swiss cheese” surface appearance. It has been used extensively as an exterior cladding material in the United States for the past 30 years. While travertine cladding has had a disproportionate number of failures, seldom has this been entirely the fault of the inherent defects in the travertine but rather misuse of the material. Even today the physical properties of travertine are not well understood by designers; failures are often due to errors in support/ anchorage design and architectural detailing. This paper is based on investigations of exterior travertine cladding failures on various buildings throughout the eastern United States. Problems common to travertine cladding are presented so as to provide a better understanding of travertine's properties and to critically examine past mistakes.

Diffusion and adoption of failure information

Abstract: Diffusion of knowledge or innovation is the process by which knowledge is communicated through established channels over time among members of a professional group. Failure information connected with engineered facilities is an important bundle of knowledge which needs to be disseminated with information about how designers and practitioners can avoid or minimize failures. This paper investigates two main topics: (1) The connection between theory and practice; and (2) the mechanism of diffusion and adoption of engineering information. Since much of the knowledge used in designing and constructing engineered facilities usually stems from learning from failures, both topics are of great concern to the profession.

Large Steel Tanks: Brittle Fracture and Repair

Abstract: Steel tanks that are welded to their base plates may become vulnerable to brittle fracture if the joints between base‐plate segments are defectively welded. A case history is discussed in which one of two large welded steel tanks (used for storage of grain) developed a sevenfoot (2.13‐m) long vertical crack in January 1982, but did not collapse. The crack originated at a defectively welded base plate. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted. Although brittle fracture had taken place, and the tank might have split open, the crack did not propagate all the way to the eaves, but was arrested at a vertical butt‐welded joint. An explanation for this behavior is obtained by recognizing the contribution of the large fracture toughness of the welding at the joint, and that of vertical tube stiffeners welded to the inside surface of the shell. The repair procedure for the actual crack, and various welding defects found by ultrasonic testing in both tanks, is also discussed at length. Once repaired, both...

It’s Time for Some Changes

Abstract: In times such as these, when “win‐win” projects can be found primarily in “completed job files,” not “current jobs,” conditions are almost universally cursed by owners, designers, and contractors. The only smiles are on the faces of the lawyers and the insurance company workers, who have open contract amounts. The sources of most of the problems in the construction industry, however, are the actions of the parties themselves, not the lawyers or the insurance company workers. “The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in the, stars, but in ourselves….” But should lawyers and insurance company workers be paid $1,000 for every $100 in damages? There are many things that can be done by owners and their engineers now that are almost universally ignored by those who would benefit the most. This paper is an effort to discuss briefly what you can do to reduce the occurrence of, and the cost of, construction problems.

Precast Concrete Roof Structure: Failure and Repair

Abstract: Heavy concrete fragments crashing into the floor of a huge warehouse building, from an overhead precast structure, calls for an investigation to determine the cause of this phenomenon and stop it Field observations show that the roof double‐tees are bearing on the edge of improperly reinforced concrete flanges of precast I‐girders This causes cracking and eventual fallout of fragments of the girder flange As a result, bearing of some of the double‐tees is reduced to 15 in, an unacceptable amount Such precarious support could cause sudden and catastrophic failure The shortcomings of the original design are identified, and a correct design that would have prevented failure is presented herein The latter would have included use of elastomeric bearing plates and additional reinforcement in the girder flange; actual details are shown Repair is accomplished locally at the affected double‐tees, using a simple solution made out of structural steel; a full description including details is given

Goals and Objectives for Alternative Dispute Resolution

Abstract: This paper suggests that alternative dispute resolution is a process of compromise and settlement. As such, it should only be used in appropriate disputes. The paper discusses selection of appropriate cases for alternative dispute resolution by referencing certain general observations as well as characteristics of the process. It further suggests that understanding the goals and objectives of alternative dispute resolution also aids in the decision on whether to employ alternative dispute resolution. The paper then lists and discusses major alternative dispute resolution goals and objectives.

Post-Construction Performance of 4.6-km Breakwater

Abstract: This paper presents the performance aspects of a 4.6-km-long breakwater constructed in 1979 but not accepted by the owner until 1983, when remedial works were completed and post-construction liabilities were established. The breakwater is of rubble mound construction with quarry run fill protected by a rock armor layer that is further reinforced on the seaside by a layer of precast concrete stabits. The stabits are secured at the crest by a concrete buttress wall. Delayed acceptance of the facility was attributed mainly to the development of cracks in the concrete buttress wall and the damage and/or settlement of a number of the protecting concrete stabits. The cracks ranged from a hairline cracking along the entire length of the breakwater to an extensive, relatively deep and wide cracking pattern at a number of isolated locations. Several stabits were found to be broken, and at a few isolated locations, the stabit skin appeared to have slumped in short lengths. This paper describes the field investigations conducted, the nature of the cracks depicted, and the remedial works performed. To draw some lessons from this experience, the paper also raises the question of post-construction liability, particularly on an international level, and illustrates that through negotiations and team effort such problems can be resolved, bringing the contract to a final settlement.

Investigative Studies of Ceiling Collapses

Abstract: This paper presents case studies of ceiling collapses and identifies causes of failures. These ceilings were designed to accommodate dead loads only. In most cases, these collapses were preceded by ceiling distress in the form of sagging or bowing out of the ceiling. Despite such warning no immediate preventive measures were provided, and hence, the distress progressed to become a collapse. This study reveals that in all cases poor workmanship experienced by the hanger connections enabled the failure while the load of workers on the ceiling triggered the collapse. These enabling events, which were common among several hangers, caused progressive ceiling failures.