Concrete durability
- Condition assessment and health monitoring of structures
- Accelerated bridge construction and demolition (ABCD)
- Prefabricated bridge elements and systems (PBES)
- Nondestructive testing
- Structural Resilience
On-going projects
Capacity Prediction of Repaired and Unrepaired Bridge Beams with Deteriorated Ends
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/Co-PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.; Yufeng Hu, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: October 2022 – September 2024
Bridge inspection engineers and consultants submit requests for action (RFAs) due to safety concerns associated with steel girder and prestressed concrete (PSC) beam end conditions. Region bridge engineers review RFAs and bring forward to the Bridge RFA Coordination Committee (BRFACC) for deliberations. This project focuses on developing guidelines and tools for bridge inspection engineers, region bridge engineers, and the other members of the BRFACC to help them streamline the RFA submission and evaluation process. This will help overcome programming and resource allocation challenges while ensuring public safety and avoiding potentially unnecessary restrictions on the motoring public. These tools and guidelines will help the Load Rating Unit (LRU) load rate deteriorated and repaired beam ends.
Operational Baseline and Structural Health Monitoring for the 2nd Avenue Network Arch Bridge
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: January 2022 –May 2024
A skewed, unbraced network tied-arch bridge was constructed to carry the 2nd Avenue over I-94. This 265 ft long, 96.5 ft wide structure carries vehicular traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians in separate dedicated lanes. The unique structural configuration and the use of innovative accelerated bridge construction (ABC) technique made this one of the most significant projects in bridge engineering. The bridge skeleton, consisting of trapezoidal steel arch ribs, tie girders, end diaphragms, and steel floor beams was assembled in a staging area near the bridge site. In implementing ABC, the bridge skeleton was moved into alignment using self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) during a 7-day closure of I-94. Following the SPMT move, including lifting and sliding activities, and the placement of the skeleton on permanent bearings, the remaining construction activities were completed.
The ultimate goals of this project are to establish (i) the final state of stress at the end of the 2nd Avenue over I-94 bridge construction, (ii) the operational baseline by conducting a static live load test, (iii) stress envelopes for the safe operation of the structure, and (iv) a functional monitoring system and necessary tools for data-driven maintenance decision-making.
Completed projects
Concrete Deterioration of Prestressed Bridge Beams
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/Co-PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.; Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: March 2019 – December 2021
- Publications: Final Report
Effects of Concrete Cure Time on Epoxy Overlay and Sealant Performance
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: July 2018 – December 2020
- Publications: Final Report
Bridge Structural Analyses for Staged Construction and Constructability Reviews
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI: Haluk Aktan , Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: October 2016– May 2020
- Publications: Final Report
Bridge Structural Analyses for Staged Construction and Constructability Reviews
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI:Haluk Aktan , Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: October 2016– May 2020
- Publications: Final Report (under review)
Development of simulation and experimental environment for evaluating structural system performance under wind loads
- Funding Agency: The Georgeau Construction Research Center (GCRC)
- PI/Co-PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.; William Liou , Ph.D.
- Duration: June 2018 – September 2019
- Publications: Final Report
Best Practices for Modernizing MDOT Bridge Design Manual, Guides, and Policy Documentation
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI (WSU):Haluk Aktan , Ph.D., P.E.
- PI/Co-PI (WMU): Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.; Edward Eckel; Muhammad Razi , Ph.D., P.E.,
- Duration: June 2018 – September 2019
- Publications: Final Report
Development of Full Bicycle Dynamic Model and Riding Environment for Evaluating Roadway Features for Safe Cycling
- Funding Agency: Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities
- PI/Co-PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.; Mitchel Keil , Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: August 2017 – August 2018
- Publications: Final Report
Means and methods for improving structural integrity of roof systems
- Funding Agency: The Georgeau Construction Research Center (GCRC)
- PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: July 1, 2017 – October 31, 2018
- Publications: Final Report
Enhancing Non-motorized Mobility within Construction Zones
- Funding Agency: Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities
- PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: January 2017 – December 2017
- Publications: Final Report
Research on Evaluation and Standardization of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) Techniques
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/Co-PI: Haluk Aktan , Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: October 2013- September 2017
- Publications: Final Report 2015 | Final Report 2017
Reflective Cracking between Precast Prestressed Box Girders
- Funding Agency: Wisconsin Highway Research Program- Wisconsin DOT
- PI/Co-PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.; Haluk Aktan , Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: August 1, 2013 – June 30, 2017
- Publications: Final Report
Infrastructure and Technology for Sustainable Livable Cities
- Funding Agency: Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities
- PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: August 2015 – July 2016
- Publications: Final Report
Remote Monitoring of Fatigue Sensitive Details on Bridges
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/Co-PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.; Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: October 1, 2012 – March 30, 2014
- Publications: Final Report
Alternatives for Providing a Safe Passage for Non-Motorized Traffic across an Existing Highway Bridge
- Funding Agency: Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities
- PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: September 2014 – August 2015
- Publications: Final Report | Decision tool
Improving Bridges with Prefabricated Precast Concrete Systems
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/Co-PI: Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: October 2010- December 2013
- Publications: Final Report
Evaluation of Fresh and Hardened Properties of Mortar with Waste Powder Paint
- Funding Agency: Green Manufacturing Initiative, Western Michigan University
- PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: September 2012 – December 2012
- Publications: Final Report
Controlling Leaching in Masonry Blocks using Waste Powder Paint
- Funding Agency: Green Manufacturing Initiative, Western Michigan University
- PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: September 2012 – December 2012
- Publications: Final Report
Noncontact Technologies for Condition Assessment of Highway Bridges
- Funding Agency: Western Michigan University
- PI: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: July 2011- December 2012
Development and Validation of a Sensor-Based Health Monitoring Model for the Parkview Bridge Deck
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/Co-PI: Osama Abudayyeh, Ph.D., P.E.; Haluk Aktan, Ph. D., P.E.; Ikhlas Abdel-Qader, Ph. D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: February 1, 2010 – January 31, 2012
- Publications: Final Report
Dual-Use Ground Vehicle Reliability Prediction and Optimization, Tank Elastomer Pads Fatigue, and Vehicle Occupant Shock Wave Impact Load Prediction
- Funding Agency: Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)
- PI/Junior Investigator: William Liou, Ph.D.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: September 2008 – December 2010
Heavy Truck Rollover Characterization - Phase C
- Funding Agency: National Transportation Research Center, Inc. (NTRC)
- Principal Investigator: Mitchel Keil, Ph.D., P.E.
- Co-principal Investigator: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: November 2009 – July 2010
Heavy Truck Rollover Characterization - Phase B
- Funding Agency: National Transportation Research Center, Inc. (NTRC)
- PI/Co-PI: Mitchel Keil, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: January 9, 2009 – September 30, 2009
Health Monitoring and Evaluation of the Rapid Bridge Replacement Technique at Parkview Bridge in Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/ Junior Investigator: Osama Abudayyeh, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: September 2008 – January 2010
Simulation-Based Heavy-Duty Truck Structural Reliability Analysis, Track Pin Bushing Fatigue, and HMMWV Underbody Scanning
- Funding Agency: Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC)
- PI/ Junior Investigator: William Liou, Ph.D.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: July 2, 2007 – December 31, 2008
High skew link slab bridge system with deck sliding over backwall or backwall sliding over abutments
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/ Junior Investigator: Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: October 1, 2008 – September 30, 2011
- Publications: Final Report
Combining Link-Slab, Deck Sliding over Back-Wall and Revising Bearings
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/ Junior Investigator: Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: April 2006 – March 2008
- Publications: Final Report
Condition assessment and methods of abatement of prestressed concrete box-beam deterioration - Phase II
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/ Junior Investigator: Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: June 2006 – November 2007
- Publications: Final Report | Final Report II
Condition assessment and methods of abatement of prestressed concrete box-beam deterioration - Phase I
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/ Junior Investigator: Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: 03/2004 – 11/2005
- Publications: Final Report
Causes and cures for cracking of concrete barriers
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/ Junior Investigator: Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: 03/2002 – 08/2003
- Publications: Final Report
Investigate causes and develop methods to minimize early-age deck cracking on Michigan bridge decks
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/ Junior Investigator: Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: 01/2002 – 12/ 2003
- Publications: Final Report
Criteria and benefits of penetrating sealants for bridge decks
- Funding Agency: The Michigan Department of Transportation
- PI/ Junior Investigator: Haluk Aktan, Ph.D., P.E.; Upul Attanayake, Ph.D., P.E.
- Duration: 01/2002- 12/ 2002
- Publications: Final Report