Recent hurricanes have demonstrated the vulnerability of bridges to wave forces, storm surges, and storm-borne debris (coastal storm event hydrodynamic factors). Hurricane Ivan, in 2004, caused major damage to the I-10 Escambia Bay bridge in Florida. Permanent replacement of this bridge is still years away. Hurricane Katrina, in 2005, caused extensive damage to a number of bridges in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. These and other similar events brought to light the essential need to address the increasing risk of hurricanes and other storm-related damages on transportation infrastructures, and to develop and implement solutions before these events occur.

There is a need for a greater understanding of how coastal storm hydrodynamic events can damage bridge structures. A systematic research approach that parallels the work for seismic and wind events needs to be undertaken leading to the development of strategies and options to reduce the vulnerability of structures in coastal environments. Further, there is a need to develop specifications for designing, assessing and retrofitting bridges for coastal storm wave forces and codifying the key coastal and structural engineering and managerial decision-making efforts.

This project will develop guide specifications and a retrofit handbook for bridges vulnerable to coastal storms. It will consider ongoing work and borrow from existing knowledge on hazard mitigation strategies to develop solutions for mitigating coastal storm event bridge damages. The project also will consider issues on prediction of wave forces and assessment of vulnerability, and design of bridges. Consequently, the objective of this project is to develop a guide specification and a handbook of retrofit strategies and options to mitigate damage to highway bridges subject to coastal storm hydrodynamic factors, and recommend improvements for bridges in coastal environments. The two documents will be presented in a format ready for AASHTO adoption. An AASHTO/FHWA joint task force will provide oversight and guidance on all aspects of the project. The Task Force includes experts in structural, hydraulics, geotechnical, and bridge engineering, and will provide technical expertise to the Project Team.

Modjeski and Masters, Inc., the Prime Consultant, has assembled the following team to complete this project: