PMSS Project Details

Project ID:	FHWA-PROJ-08-0017
Project Name:	Development of Best Practices Guide on Security of Historic Bridges
Status:	Active
Contact:	Last Name: Duwadi First Name: Sheila R Telephone: 202-493-3106 E-mail: sheila.duwadi@dot.gov
Organization:	Federal Highway Administration - Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC)
Office:	Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Team:	Hazard Mitigation Team
Roadmap/Focus area(s):	Historic Preservation Infrastructure Research and Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap
Project Description:	Historic sites of all types are frequently the targets of vandalism, arson, and other malicious acts. With many historic or nationally significant landmarks, protection can be achieved by displaying an authority presence. Historic covered bridges represent a unique challenge because they are quite numerous and commonly located in remote locations. The difficulty associated with managing these structures has been clearly shown with recent arson events that have resulted in the destruction and permanent damage of these bridges. Any available guidelines for securing bridges and other transportation structures focus on bridges that are either signature structures or are considered critical lifelines. Although providing some useful information, these guidelines do not sufficiently address the unique needs of historic covered bridge owners. This study will develop a best practices guide specifically for historic covered bridges. The developed guide will provide bridge owners with the tools to design and implement a cost-effective security system that is somewhat site dependent. Specific items that will be addressed include the use of signage, lighting, fire suppressant systems, and automated technologies, including intrusion detection systems. In addition, it is envisioned that gaps in available methods and research needs will be identified.
Laboratories:	Not Applicable
Start Date:	September 1, 2008
End Date:	September 30, 2013
Funding Amount:	$150,000.00
FHWA Program Name:	National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program
Goals:	The objective is to develop a best practices guide for arson prevention especially suited for historic covered bridges.
Project Type:	Offsite
Background Information:	Data not yet available
Test Methodology:	The approach will include both analytical and field work.
Other Information:	Funding: $150,000 (Federal Highway Administration) plus $45,000 (Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory)
Partners:	Data not yet available
More Information URL(s):
Fieldtest:	Data not yet available
Expected Benefits:	Providing assistance in preventing destruction of historic bridges is the expected benefit.
Deliverables:	Name: Guidelines for Security of Historic Covered Bridges (9/2013). Product Type(s): Research report, Techbrief, Draft standard, specifications, or guidelines Description: The report will contain guidance on measures to secure historic bridges against arson, vandalism, etc. Audiences: State highway agencies, Local bridge owners Secondary Audiences:
Related URL(s):
Project Findings:	Data not yet available
FHWA Topics:	Research/Technologies--Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC)
TRT Terms:	Covered Bridges Vandalism Fires Security Historic Preservation Research Infrastructure
FHWA Disciplines:	Structures Safety
Subject Areas:	Bridges and other structures Security and Emergencies