Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals

Author/Presenter: Fouad, Fouad; Davidson, James; Delatte, Norbert; Calvert, Elizabeth; Chen, Shen-En; Nunez, Edgar; Abdalla, Ramy
Abstract:

NCHRP Project 17-10 was conducted for the main purpose of revamping the 1994 edition of the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals (hereafter referred to as the Supports Specifications). The project addressed specific technical topics; provided major updates based on current codes and standards; presented new wind maps and wind loading criteria; and introduced new sections on fiber-reinforced composites, wood structures, and fatigue design. Project 17-10 resulted in a totally revised Supports Specifications that was submitted to the AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures (HSCOBS), adopted in 1999, and published in 2001. In spite of the extensive research efforts performed under NCHRP Project 17-10, a number of technical issues still needed further investigation or refinement. The project panel identified and prioritized a number of technical topics for study in NCHRP Project 17-10(2). The main objective of NCHRP Project 17-10(2) was to enhance the Supports Specifications developed under Project 17-10 and to provide a strategic plan for future development of the specifications. Furthermore, a strategic plan for future enhancement of the Supports Specifications was developed, including a plan for conversion of the specifications to load and resistance factor design (LRFD) philosophy and format. The importance of converting to an LRFD approach was emphasized, and the necessary analytical work to achieve this conversion was reviewed.