Bridge tension member

[Liz5463]

I am considering drilling into the bottom flange (tension region) of an existing stringer to make a structural connection on a bridge. The stringer has excess capacity and I am only concerned if there is something in AASHTO which states you can't do this. I know this is not an ideal solution to my situation but I am investigating it. There will not be any welding to tension members.

 

[ImminentCollapse]

I don't believe it is prohibited in AASHTO. I've seen stringers/beams/floor beams/girders reinforced with bolted bottom cover plates on many occasions, so drilling into tension flanges is/has been done.

IC

 

[Lomarandil]

That's a good point -- cover plates and splices happen all the time. I can't say for certain, but suspect that IC is correct.

 

[bridgebuster]

I posted a response in the Bridge Forum - it's OK. However -seeing how you're a new member- you didn't know the management frowns upon posting the same question in multiple forums.

 

[Liz5463]

Thanks everyone. I posted here first then I saw there was a bridge forum so I posted it there too.

 

[bridgebuster]

No problem