Structural modeling, analysis, and instrumentation of the Maurice J. Tobin Memorial Bridge

This thesis describes research in developing structural models, instrumentation, and verification on the Tobin Bridge in Boston. Results support the eventual development of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems for bridges.The research developed from a contract to prepare 3-D structural models to assist in long-term Tobin Bridge maintenance. A segment of the bridge, the Little Mystic span, was the focus of this research. Detailed finite element models were developed. Traditional simplified truss assumptions were considered, and special studies were conducted to determine the impact of these assumptions. A data management system was established using customized programming routines to develop and analyze the finite element models. The span was instrumented, and a load test was performed to collect strain data for model updating. Manual model refinements improved the correlation between model predictions and experimental strain data. The updated model was compared to additional testing data for model verification.