United States Department of Transportation
i
Improving Transportation Infrastructure Resilience Against Hurricanes, Other Natural Disasters, and Weathering: Part I – Analysis of Failure of Transportation Signs Due to Hurricane Maria
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2022-06-01
[PDF-46.64 MB]
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Alternative Title:Improving Transportation Infrastructure Resilience Against Hurricanes, Other Natural Disasters, and Weathering: Part I – Analysis of Failure of Transportation Signs Due to Hurricane Maria: Volume 1 [Title from Cover]
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Edition:Final Report, 10/01/2018 - 5/29/2020
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Abstract:On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph. Other researchers have estimated that, while crossing the island, the hurricane produced 3-second gust wind speeds of up to 155 mph at 33 feet above ground for flat open terrain. Hurricane Maria caused significant damage to several and different types of structures throughout Puerto Rico, including guide traffic sign mounted on I-beams. The objectives of this research were to Volume 1) estimate the wind speeds that caused damages on guide traffic sign mounted on I-beams, and to suggest improvements to its design and construction to increase resiliency; Volume 2) identify the most common modes of failures experienced by small traffic signs during Hurricane Maria, estimate the gust wind speeds at which small traffic signs failed during Hurricane Maria, and suggest improvements to the design and construction of small traffic signs to increase their resiliency by reducing risk of failure in future extreme weather events; and Volume 3) perform a comprehensive field study to identify the cantilever-type traffic signs that experienced damages due to the wind loads. Some of the main highways of Puerto Rico were travelled to locate failed traffic signs, inspect them, estimate wind pressure, and determine the mode of failure. Based on study findings, a review of the design specifications and improvement on quality control during construction was recommended to guarantee a structure that is more resilient to future events.
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