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3 pages, 183 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges

by Eva Olivia Leontien Lantsoght

Materials 2022, 15(23), 8346; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238346 - 24 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1203

Abstract

Many existing and newly constructed bridges are made of reinforced and prestressed concrete. Advanced concrete materials play an increasingly important role in concrete bridges, facilitating the strengthening and repair of existing bridges, fast replacement solutions for parts of existing bridges, and for the [...] Read more.

Many existing and newly constructed bridges are made of reinforced and prestressed concrete. Advanced concrete materials play an increasingly important role in concrete bridges, facilitating the strengthening and repair of existing bridges, fast replacement solutions for parts of existing bridges, and for the design of novel challenging bridge projects. The development of advanced concrete materials and their structural applications is, thus, an important topic in the built environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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19 pages, 5703 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effect of TRC and F/TRC Strengthening on the Cracking Behaviour of RC Beams in Bending

by Edoardo Rossi, Norbert Randl, Tamás Mészöly and Peter Harsányi

Materials 2021, 14(17), 4863; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14174863 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1826

Abstract

The increasing demand on the performance of existing structures, together with their degradation, is among the main drivers towards the development of innovative strengthening solutions. While such solutions are generally aimed at increasing the load-bearing capacity of structural elements, serviceability limit states also [...] Read more.

The increasing demand on the performance of existing structures, together with their degradation, is among the main drivers towards the development of innovative strengthening solutions. While such solutions are generally aimed at increasing the load-bearing capacity of structural elements, serviceability limit states also play an important role in ensuring the performance and durability of the structure. An experimental campaign was performed to assess the cracking behaviour of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with different typologies of Textile-Reinforced Concrete. The specimens were monitored using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technology in order to obtain a quantitative evaluation of the evolution of the crack pattern throughout the whole test. Results show the beneficial effects of this retrofitting strategy both at ultimate limit states and serviceability limit states, provide detailed insights on the progression of damage in the specimens and highlight how different parameters impact the cracking behaviour of the tested elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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20 pages, 8688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Key Factors for Implementing Magnetic NDT Method on Thin UHPFRC Bridge Elements

by Sandra Nunes, Mário Pimentel, Aurélio Sine and Paria Mokhberdoran

Materials 2021, 14(16), 4353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14164353 - 4 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1762

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the use of the magnetic NDT method for estimating the fibre content, and fibre orientation and efficiency factors in thin UHPFRC elements/layers, along any two orthogonal directions. These parameters are of utmost importance for predicting the post-cracking [...] Read more.

This paper provides an overview of the use of the magnetic NDT method for estimating the fibre content, and fibre orientation and efficiency factors in thin UHPFRC elements/layers, along any two orthogonal directions. These parameters are of utmost importance for predicting the post-cracking tensile strength in the directions of interest. After establishing meaningful correlations at the lab-specimen scale, this NDT method can be effectively implemented into quality control protocols at the industrial production scale. The current study critically addresses the influence of key factors associated with using this NDT method in practice and provides recommendations for its efficient implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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23 pages, 5736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Numerical Study on Interface Bond Strength and Anchorage Performance of Steel Bars within Prefabricated Concrete

by Zhijian Hu, Yasir Ibrahim Shah and Pengfei Yao

Materials 2021, 14(13), 3713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14133713 - 2 Jul 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3428

Abstract

This study investigates the interface bond strength and anchorage performance of steel bars within prefabricated concrete. Twenty-two specimens were designed and manufactured to study the interface bond behavior of deformed and plain steel bars under a larger cover thickness. Diameter of steel bars, [...] Read more.

This study investigates the interface bond strength and anchorage performance of steel bars within prefabricated concrete. Twenty-two specimens were designed and manufactured to study the interface bond behavior of deformed and plain steel bars under a larger cover thickness. Diameter of steel bars, strength grade of concrete, and anchorage length were considered influential factors. The finite element method (ABAQUS) was used for the validation of experimental results. The interface bond’s failure mechanism and the anchorage length in the prefabricated concrete under different concrete strength levels were explored and compared to national and international codes. A suitable value of the basic anchoring length for the prefabricated structure was recommended. The results show that the interface bond strength of prefabricated bridge members is directly proportional to the strength grade of the concrete, inversely proportional to the reinforcement diameter, and less related to anchorage length. The effect of the cover thickness of the surrounding concrete is negligible. Conversely, the bearing capacity of prefabricated bridge members depends on the strength of the concrete, the diameter of the steel bar, and the anchorage length. Furthermore, it is concluded that the mechanical bond strength accounts for 88% of the bond strength within prefabricated concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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20 pages, 6698 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Activated Ductile CFRP NSMR Strengthening

by Jacob Wittrup Schmidt, Christian Overgaard Christensen, Per Goltermann and José Sena-Cruz

Materials 2021, 14(11), 2821; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14112821 - 25 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2141

Abstract

Significant strengthening of concrete structures can be obtained when using adhesively-bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) systems. Challenges related to such strengthening methods are; however, the brittle concrete delamination failure, reduced warning, and the consequent inefficient use of the CFRP. A novel ductile near-surface [...] Read more.

Significant strengthening of concrete structures can be obtained when using adhesively-bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) systems. Challenges related to such strengthening methods are; however, the brittle concrete delamination failure, reduced warning, and the consequent inefficient use of the CFRP. A novel ductile near-surface mounted reinforcement (NSMR) CFRP strengthening system with a high CFRP utilization is introduced in this paper. It is hypothesized that the tailored ductile enclosure wedge (EW) end anchors, in combination with low E-modulus and high elongation adhesive, can provide significant strengthening and ductility control. Five concrete T-beams were strengthened using the novel system with a CFRP rod activation stress of approximately 980 MPa. The beam responses were compared to identical epoxy-bonded NSMR strengthened and un-strengthened beams. The linear elastic response was identical to the epoxy-bonded NSMR strengthened beam. In addition, the average deflection and yielding regimes were improved by 220% and 300% (average values), respectively, with an ultimate capacity comparable to the epoxy-bonded NSMR strengthened beam. Reproducible and predictable strengthening effect seems obtainable, where a good correlation between the results and applied theory was reached. The brittle failure modes were prevented, where concrete compression failure and frontal overload anchor failure were experienced when failure was initiated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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16 pages, 4050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of 95-Year-Old Concrete Built-In Arch Bridge

by Andrzej Ambroziak, Elżbieta Haustein and Maciej Niedostatkiewicz

Materials 2021, 14(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14010020 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2944

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the durability and strength of an old concrete built-in arch bridge based on selected mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the concrete. The bridge was erected in 1925 and is located in Jagodnik (northern Poland). Cylindrical specimens were [...] Read more.

This research aimed to determine the durability and strength of an old concrete built-in arch bridge based on selected mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the concrete. The bridge was erected in 1925 and is located in Jagodnik (northern Poland). Cylindrical specimens were taken from the side ribs connected to the top plate using a concrete core borehole diamond drill machine. The properties of the old concrete were compared with the present and previous standard requirements and guidelines. The laboratory testing program consisted of the following set of tests: measurements of the depth of carbonated zone and dry density, water absorption tests, determination of concrete compressive strength and frost resistance, determination of modulus of elasticity, measurement of the pH value, determination of water-soluble chloride salt and sulfate ion content, and X-ray diffraction analyses. Large variations in the cylindrical compressive strength (14.9 to 22.0 MPa), modulus of elasticity (17,900 to 26,483 MPa), density (2064 to 2231 kg/m³), and water absorption (3.88 to 6.58%) were observed. In addition to the experiments, a brief literature survey relating to old concrete properties was also conducted. This paper can provide scientists, engineers, and designers an experimental basis in the field of old concrete built-in bridge construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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24 pages, 30691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flexural and Shear Tests on Reinforced Concrete Bridge Deck Slab Segments with a Textile-Reinforced Concrete Strengthening Layer

by Viviane Adam, Jan Bielak, Christian Dommes, Norbert Will and Josef Hegger

Materials 2020, 13(18), 4210; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13184210 - 22 Sep 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3681

Abstract

Many older bridges feature capacity deficiencies. This is mainly due to changes in code provisions which came along with stricter design rules and increasing traffic, leading to higher loads on the structure. To address capacity deficiencies of bridges, refined structural analyses with more [...] Read more.

Many older bridges feature capacity deficiencies. This is mainly due to changes in code provisions which came along with stricter design rules and increasing traffic, leading to higher loads on the structure. To address capacity deficiencies of bridges, refined structural analyses with more detailed design approaches can be applied. If bridge assessment does not provide sufficient capacity, strengthening can be a pertinent solution to extend the bridge’s service lifetime. For numerous cases, applying an extra layer of textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) can be a convenient method to achieve the required resistance. Here, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer reinforcement together with a high-performance mortar was used within the scope of developing a strengthening layer for bridge deck slabs, called SMART-DECK. Due to the high tensile strength of the carbon and its resistance to corrosion, a thin layer with high strength and low additional dead load can be realised. While the strengthening effect of TRC for slabs under flexural loading has already been investigated several times, the presented test programme also covered increase in shear capacity, which is the other crucial failure mode to be considered in design. A total of 14 large-scale tests on TRC-strengthened slab segments were tested under static and cyclic loading. The experimental study revealed high increases in capacity for both bending and shear failure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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16 pages, 3868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of MgO Expansive Agent and Steel Fiber on Crack Resistance of a Bridge Deck

by Feifei Jiang, Min Deng, Liwu Mo and Wenqing Wu

Materials 2020, 13(14), 3074; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13143074 - 9 Jul 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2173

Abstract

To prevent cracks caused by shrinkage of the deck of the Xiaoqing River Bridge, MgO concrete (MC) and steel fiber reinforced MgO concrete (SMC) were used. The deformation and strength of the deck were measured in the field, the resistance to chloride penetration [...] Read more.

To prevent cracks caused by shrinkage of the deck of the Xiaoqing River Bridge, MgO concrete (MC) and steel fiber reinforced MgO concrete (SMC) were used. The deformation and strength of the deck were measured in the field, the resistance to chloride penetration of the concrete was measured in the laboratory, and the pore structure of the concrete was analyzed by a mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP). The results showed that the expansion caused by the hydration of MgO could suppress the shrinkage of the bridge deck, and the deformation of the deck changed from −88.3 × 10⁻⁶ to 24.9 × 10⁻⁶, effectively preventing shrinkage cracks. At the same time, due to the restriction of the expansion of MgO by the steel bars, the expansion of the bridge deck in the later stage gradually stabilized, and no harmful expansion was produced. When steel fiber and MgO were used at the same time, the three-dimensional distribution of steel fiber further limited the expansion of MgO. The hydration expansion of MgO in confined space reduced the porosity of concrete, optimized the pore structure, and improved the strength and durability of concrete. The research on the performance of concrete in the in-situ test section showed that MgO and steel fiber were safe for the bridge deck, which not only solved the problem of shrinkage cracking of the bridge deck but also further improved the mechanical properties of the bridge deck. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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16 pages, 3769 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Modelling of Concrete-to-UHPC Bond Strength

by Alireza Valikhani, Azadeh Jaberi Jahromi, Islam M. Mantawy and Atorod Azizinamini

Materials 2020, 13(6), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13061379 - 18 Mar 2020

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 6894

Abstract

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) has been a material of interest for retrofitting reinforced concrete elements because of its pioneer mechanical and material properties. Numerous experimental studies for retrofitting concrete structures have shown an improvement in durability performance and structural behaviour. However, conservative and [...] Read more.

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) has been a material of interest for retrofitting reinforced concrete elements because of its pioneer mechanical and material properties. Numerous experimental studies for retrofitting concrete structures have shown an improvement in durability performance and structural behaviour. However, conservative and sometimes erroneous estimates for bond strength are used for numerically calculating the strength of the composite members. In addition, different roughening methods have been used to improve the bond mechanism; however, there is a lack of numerical simulation for the force transfer mechanism between the concrete substrate and UHPC as a repair material. This paper presents an experimental and numerical programme designed to characterize the interfacial properties of concrete substrate and its effect on the bond strength between the two materials. The experimental programme evaluates the bond strength between the concrete substrates and UHPC with two different surface preparations while using bi-surface test and additional material tests, including cylinder and cube tests for compression property, direct tension test, and flexural test to complement UHPC tensile properties. Non-linear finite element analysis was conducted, which uses a numerical zero thickness volume model to define the interface bond instead of a traditional fixed contact model. The numerical results from the zero thickness volume model show good agreement with the experimental results with a reduction in error by 181% and 24% for smooth and rough interface surfaces if compared to the results from the model with a fixed contact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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14 pages, 6107 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Future Infrastructural Replacement Through the Smart Bridge Concept

by Albert D. Reitsema, Mladena Luković, Steffen Grünewald and Dick A. Hordijk

Materials 2020, 13(2), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13020405 - 15 Jan 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3857

Abstract

Most of the bridges and viaducts in the Netherlands were built in the sixties and seventies of the last century, and an increasing number of them will have to be replaced due to technical or functional reasons. The Netherlands is not an exception, [...] Read more.

Most of the bridges and viaducts in the Netherlands were built in the sixties and seventies of the last century, and an increasing number of them will have to be replaced due to technical or functional reasons. The Netherlands is not an exception, many industrialized countries will face a similar replacement task in the near future. With the increased traffic intensities and the importance of mobility, the design and construction strategies for new bridges have to be different from that in the past. New methods need to ensure that traffic hindrance due to construction works and (future) maintenance activities are minimized. At the Delft University of Technology, a SMART bridge concept is being developed for fast and hindrance-free infrastructural replacement. The optimal advantage is achieved by utilizing innovative but proven technologies, and by bringing academic research into practice. A combination of recent innovations in construction technology, such as advanced cementitious materials (ACM), structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques, advanced design methods (ADM), and accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is being used. These innovations represent a step towards the next generation of infrastructure where fast construction, intelligent bridge design, sustainability, zero-energy, no/low maintenance, and aesthetics are key features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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19 pages, 4724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Traffic Vibrations on the Flexural Properties of Newly Placed PVA-ECC Bridge Repairs

by Xiaodong Zhang, Shuguang Liu, Changwang Yan, Xiaoxiao Wang and Huiwen Wang

Materials 2019, 12(20), 3337; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12203337 - 13 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

Polyvinyl alcohol fiber reinforced engineering cementitious composites (PVA-ECCs) exhibit excellent tight-cracking and super-high toughness behaviors and have been widely used in bridge repair projects. In reality, the conventional method in bridge repair is that a portion of the bridge is closed and repaired [...] Read more.

Polyvinyl alcohol fiber reinforced engineering cementitious composites (PVA-ECCs) exhibit excellent tight-cracking and super-high toughness behaviors and have been widely used in bridge repair projects. In reality, the conventional method in bridge repair is that a portion of the bridge is closed and repaired while the other portion is left open to traffic. Consequently, newly placed PVA-ECC bridge repairs (NP-ECC-BRs) are exposed to continuous traffic vibrations (TRVs), even during the setting periods. However, whether or not TRVs affect the expected flexural properties of NP-ECC-BRs remains unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of TRVs on the attainable flexural properties of NP-ECC-BRs. For this purpose, a total of 324 newly fabricated thin-plate specimens were exposed to different vibration variables using self-designed vibration equipment. After vibration, a four-point flexural test was conducted to determine the flexural properties of the specimens. The results indicate that the effects of TRVs on the strengths of NP-ECC-BRs was significantly negative, but insignificantly positive for flexural deformation. We concluded that in the design of PVA-ECC bridge repairs, effects of TRVs on the flexural deformation capacity of NP-ECC-BRs are not a cause for concern, but serious consideration should be given to the associated reduction of flexural load-bearing capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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17 pages, 3719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flexural Fatigue Performance of Steel Fiber Reinforced Expanded-Shales Lightweight Concrete Superposed Beams with Initial Static-Load Cracks

by Fulai Qu, Changyong Li, Chao Peng, Xinxin Ding, Xiaowu Hu and Liyun Pan

Materials 2019, 12(19), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12193261 - 6 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2260

Abstract

Concerning the structural applications of steel fiber reinforced expanded-shales lightweight concrete (SFRELC), the present study focuses on the flexural fatigue performance of SFRELC superposed beams with initial static-load cracks. Nine SFRELC superposed beams were fabricated with the SFRELC depth varying from 50% to [...] Read more.

Concerning the structural applications of steel fiber reinforced expanded-shales lightweight concrete (SFRELC), the present study focuses on the flexural fatigue performance of SFRELC superposed beams with initial static-load cracks. Nine SFRELC superposed beams were fabricated with the SFRELC depth varying from 50% to 70% of the whole sectional depth, and the volume fraction of steel fiber ranged from 0.8% to 1.6%. The fatigue load exerted on the beams was a constant amplitude sinusoid with a frequency of 10 Hz and a fatigue characteristic value of 0.10; the upper limit was taken as the load corresponded to the maximum crack width of 0.20 mm at the barycenter of the longitudinal rebars. The results showed that with the increase of SFRELC depth and the volume fraction of steel fiber, the fatigue life of the test beams was prolonged with three altered failure modes due to the crush of conventional concrete in the compression zone and/or the fracture of the tensile rebar; the failure pattern could be more ductile by the prevention of fatigue fracture by the longitudinal tensile rebar when the volume fraction of steel fiber was 1.6% and the reduction of crack growth and concrete strain in the compression zone; the fatigue life of test beams was sensitive to the upper-limit of the fatigue load, a short fatigue life appeared from the higher stress level and larger stress amplitude of the longitudinal rebar due to the higher upper-limit of the fatigue load. The methods for predicting the stress level, the stress amplitude of the longitudinal tensile rebar, and the degenerated flexural stiffness of SFRELC superposed beams with fatigue life are proposed. With the optimal composites of the SFRELC depth ratio and the volume fraction of steel fiber, the controllable failure of reinforced SFRELC superposed beams could be a good prospect with the trend curves of fatigue flexural stiffness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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16 pages, 10014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Shear Performance of Cast-In-Place Ultra-High Performance Concrete Structures

by Chuanxi Li, Zheng Feng, Lu Ke, Rensheng Pan and Jie Nie

Materials 2019, 12(19), 3254; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12193254 - 5 Oct 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3867

Abstract

In order to study the direct shear properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) structures, 15 Z-shaped monolithic placement specimens (MPSs) and 12 Z-shaped waterjet treated specimens (WJTSs) were tested to study the shear behavior and failure modes. The effects of steel fiber shape, [...] Read more.

In order to study the direct shear properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) structures, 15 Z-shaped monolithic placement specimens (MPSs) and 12 Z-shaped waterjet treated specimens (WJTSs) were tested to study the shear behavior and failure modes. The effects of steel fiber shape, steel fiber volume fraction and interface treatment on the direct shear properties of UHPC were investigated. The test results demonstrate that the MPSs were reinforced with steel fibers and underwent ductile failure. The ultimate load of the MPS is about 166.9% of the initial cracking load. However, the WJTSs failed in a typical brittle mode. Increasing the fiber volume fraction significantly improves the shear strength, which can reach 24.72 MPa. The steel fiber type has little effect on the shear strength and ductility, while increasing the length of steel fibers improves its ductility and slightly reduces the shear strength. The direct shear strength of the WJTSs made from 16 mm hooked-type steel fibers can reach 9.15 MPa, which is 2.47 times the direct shear strength of the specimens without fibers. Finally, an interaction formula for the shear and compressive strength was proposed on the basis of the experimental results, to predict the shear load-carrying capacity of the cast-in-place UHPC structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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11 pages, 4401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Safety Evaluation of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Deck Slabs Cast Using 120-MPa High-Performance Concrete with a Reinforced Joint

by Jae-Hyun Bae, Hoon-Hee Hwang and Sung-Yong Park

Materials 2019, 12(18), 3040; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12183040 - 19 Sep 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2864

Abstract

Prestressed concrete structures are used in various fields as they can reduce the cross-sectional area of members compared with reinforced concrete structures. In addition, the use of high-performance and strength concrete can help reduce weight and achieve excellent durability. Recently, structures have increasingly [...] Read more.

Prestressed concrete structures are used in various fields as they can reduce the cross-sectional area of members compared with reinforced concrete structures. In addition, the use of high-performance and strength concrete can help reduce weight and achieve excellent durability. Recently, structures have increasingly been constructed using high-performance and strength concrete, and therefore, structural verification is required. Thus, this study experimentally evaluated the structural performance of a long-span bridge deck slab joint, regarded as the weak point of structures. The specimens were designed with a 4 m span for application to cable-stayed bridges. To ensure the required load resistance and serviceability, the specimens comprised of 120 MPa high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete and were prestressed. The deck slabs satisfied all static and fatigue performance as well as serviceability requirements, although they were thinner than typical concrete bridge deck slabs. The study also verified whether the deck slabs were suitable to help implement precast segmental construction methods. Finally, the results confirmed that the structural performance of the developed prestressed concrete (PSC) deck slab was sufficient for the intended bridge application as it achieved a sufficiently large safety factor in the static and fatigue performance tests, relative to the design requirement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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20 pages, 14091 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A 95-Year-Old Concrete Arch Bridge: From Materials Characterization to Structural Analysis

by Andrzej Ambroziak and Maciej Malinowski

Materials 2021, 14(7), 1744; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14071744 - 1 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3219

Abstract

The structural analysis of a 95-year-old concrete arch bridge located in Jagodnik (Poland) is performed in this paper, in order to check its behavior under today’s traffic loads. The mechanical properties of both the concrete and the reinforcement are investigated by testing cores [...] Read more.

The structural analysis of a 95-year-old concrete arch bridge located in Jagodnik (Poland) is performed in this paper, in order to check its behavior under today’s traffic loads. The mechanical properties of both the concrete and the reinforcement are investigated by testing cores and bar stubs extracted from the bridge. Structural analysis confirms that the bridge meets today’s load requirements in terms of bearing capacity, serviceability state, and that the adopted structural improvements (a new deck slab on top of the existing structure and a layer of mortar to protect the surface of the old concrete) are effective. In this way, the 95-year-old arch bridge was given a new life. The structural improvements show how combining numerical modelling and laboratory tests can contribute to the preservation of an old—though fairly simple—and valuable structure, otherwise destined to demolition, with both environmental and economic benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Structural Concrete Materials in Bridges)

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