FHWA Research And Technology Evaluation: Gusset Plates Final Report

5. Conclusion

The Gusset Plate Project is a noteworthy outcome of FHWA’s R&T Program. This evaluation demonstrated the importance of FHWA’s preliminary and investigatory research supporting NTSB during the inquiry into the I–35W Bridge collapse. Support from FHWA helped NTSB quickly determine the cause of the collapse and craft recommendations for FHWA and AASHTO, leading to necessary safety precautions established through NCHRP Project 12-84 and summarized in NCHRP WOD 197.

FHWA research and expertise not only informed the NTSB investigation, it also expedited FHWA’s own response to the NTSB recommendation. FHWA quickly gathered funding and started working with NCHRP to initiate Project 12-84. FHWA also worked with AASHTO to ensure the results from WOD 197 informed and influenced changes to specifications (LRFD BDS and MBE).

The FHWA R&T research project on gusset plates ensured that bridges across the country that rely on gusset plate connectors will be safer for the remainder of their useful life.