Author: Travis Kalt | Major: Civil Engineering | Semester: Fall 2024

Travis Kalt standing outside of Bell Engineering

I am Travis Kalt, a Senior Honors Civil Engineering student at the University of Arkansas. During the 2024-2025 academic year, I am conducting a research project focused upon evaluating the load capacity of timber piles and developing new methods for determining this capacity for in-use piles. My research is being conducted under the guidance of Dr. Heymsfield from the Department of Civil Engineering and in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).

The challenge addressed by this project is the lack of effective methods for analyzing the load capacity of timber piles supporting bridges after their installation. Timber piles, which are wooden columns supporting bridge structures, deteriorate over time, compromising their load-bearing capacity. Current bridge inspection procedures, conducted every two years in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), do not include calculations of the load capacity of individual timber piles. This information is critical to accurately determine a bridge’s overall load capacity and to ensure public safety.

Understanding the load-bearing capacity of a bridge’s substructure (everything beneath the bridge’s deck) is essential for maintaining public safety. However, limited research has been conducted in this area, particularly concerning in-use timber pile load capacity. Most existing studies focus on retrofitting and the most effective methods for repairing timber piles.

To date, my research has involved an extensive literature review of related studies and the development of a survey to collect information from various states and state departments. The survey gathered information on the number of timber pile-supported bridges, their condition ratings, and the inspection methods used by each state. Throughout my survey process, I have found out that many states do not have either inspectors or engineers develop a load capacity rating for the timber piles in their state, mostly because there is not a clear, discovered way to do this for in-use pile members. Additionally, existing inspection techniques are often outdated. For example, one of the most common inspection methods to detect decay in a pile member involves striking the member with a hammer and simply listening to the sound (the idea is that a decayed and hollow member will have a different sound than a non-decayed member).

Our project aims to use advanced technology, including the IML-RESI Power Drill and the IML Fractometer II, to to determine the net area of a member as well as the compressive and bending strengths at different portions of the member. This innovative approach provides more accurate and reliable data on a pile’s condition.

When selecting this research topic, I sought a project which both aligns with my interests and has the potential for meaningful impact. I chose to work with Dr. Heymsfield and having been a student of his, I know of his effective teaching style and his passion for Civil Engineering. I have learned a lot from him, both inside the classroom and through working together on this research project. Dr. Heymsfield’s research projects are timber-focused, which I also deemed to be a perfect fit, having worked in the timber industry for a few years myself. Also on the team are three students obtaining graduate degrees in Civil Engineering. I am looking forward to working together as a team on the project next semester.

My research will continue through the Spring of 2025 semester. Looking ahead, the next phase of my research involves testing timber piles provided by ARDOT. My initial thoughts on how to start the testing process is to first determine the void space (the amount of timber that has deteriorated within a pile member) in terms of net area and to load test the individual piles once the amount of void space has been determined. After testing, hopefully, we will be able to determine a relationship between void space and pile capacity. From here, we will seek to derive formulas for load capacity calculations of an individual timber pile.

Participating in research as an undergraduate has been an invaluable experience. Applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges has enhanced my problem-solving, creativity, communication skills, and work ethic. I am grateful to the University of Arkansas and to Dr. Heymsfield for providing this opportunity, and I am excited to continue my research project.