8
2.3.4 Effectiveness of Gussets in Sign Support
Structures
Results of the effectiveness of gussets in sign support
structures were based on a study by Gilani and Whittaker (8,
9). An example that demonstrates the effect of gusset plates
was provided. Providing gusset plates was recommended to
increase the moment capacity of the connection. The moment
capacity can be further increased by appropriate design of
the gusset.
2.3.5 Vibration Mitigation Measures in Sign
Support Structures
Various vibration mitigation measures were studied.
These include those considered by Kaczinski et al. (6), Cook
et al. in Florida (9a), and Hamilton et al. in Wyoming (9b).
The effectiveness of these measures in increasing the damp-
ing in support structures was discussed. A brief analytical
study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of increased
damping. Some of the devices were shown to increase the
damping; however, the only way to verify the effectiveness
of vibration mitigation is through testing and/or monitoring
of structures in service.
2.3.6 Suggested Additions to Section 11 of the
2001 Specifications
Add to Specifications, Section 11.4:
d) Noncantilevered overhead sign and traffic signal sup-
port structures
Add to Specifications, Table 11-1:
Importance Factors for Vibration and Fatigue Design for
Noncantilevered Sign Support Structures
Category Structure Importance Factors
Type Galloping Vortex Natural
shedding
I Truss X X
*
Monotube 1.0 X 1.0
II Truss X X
*
Monotube 0.72 X 0.85
* Use the value of 1.0 for construction stage if signs or sign blanks are not used.
Change to Specifications, Section 11.7.1:
From “Overhead cantilever . . .” to “Overhead cantilevered
and noncantilevered . . .”
Add to Specifications, Section 11.7.1, Commentary:
Galloping loads are applied to monotube noncantilevered
support structures. Overhead noncantilevered truss-type
support structures do not appear to be susceptible to gal-
loping because of their inherently high degree of three-
dimensional rigidity.
Add to Specifications, Section 11.7.2:
The equivalent static pressure PVS shall be applied trans-
versely (vertical direction) to nontapered horizontal mono-
tubes of noncantilevered support structures if signs or sign
blanks are not used during construction.
Change to Specifications, Section 11.7.3:
From “Overhead cantilever . . .” to “Overhead cantilevered
and noncantilevered . . .”
Add to Specifications, Section 11.7.4:
Noncantilevered overhead sign and traffic signal support
structures shall be designed to resist the following static,
truck-induced, gust pressure range of
PTG = 360Cd IF (Pa) Eq. 11-7
PTG = 7.5 Cd IF (psf)
PTG = 490Cd IF (Pa) Eq. 11-8
PTG = 10.2Cd IF (psf)
The pressure range given by Eq. 11-7 shall be applied hor-
izontally to the area of signs and horizontal members,
while the values given by Eq. 11-8 shall be applied in the
vertical direction to the area of the structure elements and
the projected area of the sign. These pressures should be
applied along the entire span of the structure or 24 feet (8
meters) of the span, whichever is smaller.
Truck Gust Add to Commentary, Section 11.7.4:
Wind
1.0 1.0 Regarding the noncantilevered sign support structures, the
1.0
0.85 0.9 pressure values were based on analytical work of project
0.9 NCHRP Project 17-10(2) considering truck-induced pres-
sure values measured by Cook (1996). The values mea-
sured were applied to four noncantilever sign support struc-
tures as a dynamic load, and the equivalent static loads
were obtained. The average value of the static loads was
then multiplied by the factor of 1.3 to account for increase
in the relative truck speed due to head wind.
Change to Specifications, Section 11.8 (Deflection):
From “cantilevered single-arm . . .” to “cantilevered single-
arm and noncantilevered monotube . . .”