Highways

Research on Hawaii’s First GRS-IBS

By: Kurt Sanehira

Dr. Phillip Ooi, UH Professor of Civil and Geotechnical engineering and former research assistant, Arshia Taeb, conducted innovative and extensive research on Kauaula Stream bridge, a new 110-foot long geosynthetic reinforced soil integrated bridge system (GRS-IBS) in Lahaina, Maui.

James Fu, HWY-DB section head is the project sponsor for this research project. This bridge was instrumented to measure superstructure strains and vertical pressures below the footing.

Research and Findings

When subjected to ambient daily temperature fluctuations, the GRS-IBS was observed to undergo cyclic straining of the superstructure. The upper and lower reaches of the superstructure experienced the highest and lowest strain fluctuation, respectively.

These non-uniform strains impose axial loading and bending of the superstructure, which in turn cause the vertical pressures beneath the footing to fluctuate cyclically.

Measured vertical footing pressures closest to the stream were found to fluctuate significantly. is the likelihood of inducing cyclic-induced deformations of the GRS abutment.

A numerical simulation of the bridge confirmed the magnitude of the field measured pressure fluctuations.

FHWA currently suggests limiting the span length of GRS-IBS to 140 ft because the longer the span, the more severe the thermal effects and hence GRS settlement will be.

A second objective was to analyze the thermal effects on the bearing pressure fluctuation of a similar bridge twice as long.

With modifications to the Kauaula Stream Bridge finite element model, the peak-to-trough cyclic bearing pressures of the 220-ft-long bridge remained within the backfill’s shakedown limit, the largest cyclic load at which the GRS backfill will stop settling continuously after the first few cycles.

The results of this study showed that GRS abutments in Hawaii with similar temperature fluctuations are capable of supporting similar type GRS-IBS with a span longer than the 140 ft.

GRS-IBS in Hawaii has many advantages and benefits over traditional concrete abutment bridges as follows:

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• Savings in time and construction cost. GRS abutments do not require formwork and waiting time for the concrete to set unlike traditional concrete abutments and the superstructure can be prefabricated beforehand leading to accelerated bridge construction. • Lower maintenance cost since no bridge bearings are required for maintenance. • A simple design concept that can be adapted to suit Hawaii’s environment. This design can be easily modified in the field to adjust to unexpected site conditions. • Quality control for compaction since backfill is placed in thin lifts between the closely spaced geosynthetics. • Smoother ride since there is no bump at the end of the bridge. • Durability from earthquakes. • Environmentally friendly since less use of cement. Cement produces a lot of CO2 during its manufacturing process.

There are four GRS-IBS that have been constructed in Hawaii. The Punakea Kai bridge and Punakea Uka bridge are on the Lahaina Bypass Road in Maui as well as the Kauaula Stream bridge.

The fourth bridge is on the Saddle Road of the Big Island of Hawaii located on the Military Pohakaloa Training Area. Currently, all four GRS-IBS are performing well.

In Hawaii, GRS-IBS bridges are considered as one of the most promising design options for new and replacement single span bridge construction.

Highways

HDOT Lends Monitors for Unemployment Call Center

Thanks to the efforts of Highways Division’s Robert Sequeira and Deputy Director Ed Sniffen, 235 monitors were delivered to the Hawaii Convention Center to help expedite the processing of unemployment claims. Robert and Ed also assisted with connectors necessary to connect old monitors and helped to install cat5 cabling for the call centers. In addition to Highways Division loaning 50 PCs, Highways, along with Airports and Administration Divisions, loaned 150 of the 235 monitors.

“Honestly, Ed and I worked on the coordination part, but there were a bunch of people in Highways who stepped up and stayed late to bundle up their monitors and transport them to Punchbowl,” said Robert.

Highways

HDOT COVID-19 Update: ID Credentials, Safety Checks, Vehicle Registrations

In consideration of Governor Ige’s 6th supplementary emergency proclamation through May 31, 2020, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) provides the following updates on identification credentials, Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspections (PMVI or Safety Checks), and motor vehicle registrations.

Identification Credentials (Driver’s Licenses, State Identification Cards)

• Driver’s licenses, instruction permits, and State Identification cards that expire between March 16 and May 31, 2020, are granted a 90day waiver. All State-issued credentials expiring during this date range will be considered valid for an additional 90-days from the end of Governor Ige’s 6th supplementary emergency proclamation on May 31, 2020. This extension is to provide enough time for the public to obtain or renew credentials once face-to-face government services are reopened.

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders with a CDL that expired between March 16, 2020 thru May 31, 2020, are allowed an extension of up to 90-days but the 90 days cannot go past June 30, 2020. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set June 30, 2020, as the last date that an extension may be granted. Please review HDOT’s frequently asked questions section at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/faq/ covid-19-cdl-faqs/

• As previously announced by the Transportation

Security Administration (TSA), expired driver’s licenses or State IDs that expired on or after March 1 can be used at TSA checkpoints. HDOT has also sent memorandum to the county police departments informing them of the previous expiration extension and will update this memo to minimize potential misunderstandings.

Safety Checks (PMVI)

In consideration of Governor Ige allowing the reopening of low risk businesses that take necessary precautions, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) is coordinating the reopening of stations for Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspections (PMVI or Safety Checks) starting Friday, May 15.

The safety check waiver announced on April 30 will not be changed to allow PMVI stations, Counties, and the public enough time to conduct and process safety checks. The waiver announced previously was:

Safety check certificates and stickers expiring on or before May 31, 2020, will remain valid until August 31, 2020. All other safety checks that expire in 2020 will be valid for an additional 3 months after the 2020 expiration date.

Highways

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The safety check extension does not impact the validity of the motor vehicle registration. The motor vehicle registration must still be unexpired to be valid. County motor vehicle registration offices are accepting renewals through a variety of methods, including mail, kiosk (where available), and online. COVID-19 at work should be dismissed as soon as possible to self-isolate at home or seek medical attention as appropriate • Anyone visibly displaying symptoms of COVID-19 should not be allowed in the facility

Motor Vehicle Registrations

Motor vehicle registrations are still being conducted by the Counties, see below for information by County:

The County of Kaua‘i has announced the reopening of its Department of Motor Vehicles by appointment beginning May 18. City and County of Honolulu – Offers renewals by mail, by DMV NOW kiosks, and online.

PMVI stations are required to follow the guidelines outlined below: County of Maui – Offers renewals by mail and online.

• Open with health and safety precautions for employees and customers, including physical distancing of 6-feet or greater, enhanced sanitation measures and appropriate PPE • Facilities should frequently conduct thorough and detailed cleaning and disinfecting with focus on high-touch areas (e.g., door handles) • Customers should be accepted by appointment only • PMVI stations should limit the number of employees in the facility at one time to allow for safe physical distancing practices • Train all employees on the importance of frequent handwashing with soap and water, the use of hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content, and give them clear instruction to avoid touching hands to face • Employees should be given frequent opportunities to wash their hands • Employees who develop symptoms of County of Hawaii – Offers renewals by mail, kiosks, and online.

County of Kauai – Offers renewals by mail and online.

• Motor vehicle registration fees and any applicable penalty fees for late registration have not changed. These funds are necessary to meet the local share of upcoming stimulus projects for road construction and maintenance.

• Drivers with expired registration tags may be ticketed by law enforcement.

HDOT thanks the public and the Counties for their continued efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.