Bridge Rehabilitation Research Articles

Impact of Overweight Trucks on the Service Life of Bridge Girders

State agencies are responsible for making major decisions on allocating the available but limited funds for the maintenance and rehabilitation of bridges. Over the past two decades, the frequency of overweight trucks has kept increasing. Although the AASHTO load and resistance factor design specifications mandate a design life of 75 years, the actual service life will be affected by site-specific loading; local environmental attack, including the application of deicing salts; each agency’s bridge preservation strategy; the funding situation; and routine maintenance. Nowadays, agencies issue more permits for trucks with gross vehicle weights that exceed legal load limits. There is a need, therefore, to quantify the impact of overweight trucks on the service life of bridge girders. This study presents a procedure for investigating the impact of truck loads on bridges in New Jersey through the utilization of bridge inspection reports, truck weigh-in-motion data, and the National Bridge Inventory database. Actual bridge deterioration modes in New Jersey were identified from the bridges’ respective inspection reports, and the expected bridge service life was successfully correlated with truck loading from weigh-in-motion data. The deterioration mode of prestressed concrete (PC) girders was found to be the corrosion of prestressing tendons near the beam ends induced by cracking and spalling of enclosing concrete. The maintenance of deck joints is a major factor that affects the deterioration of PC girders. Additionally, a strong correlation was found between the expected service life of PC girders and overweight truck counts.

Effects of Adhesive Connection on Composite Action between FRP Bridge Deck and Steel Girder

The FRP-steel girder composite bridge system is increasingly used in new constructions of bridges as well as rehabilitation of old bridges. However, the understanding of composite action between FRP decks and steel girders is limited and needs to be systematically investigated. In this paper, depending on the experimental investigations of FRP to steel girder system, the Finite Element (FE) models on experiments were developed and analyzed. Comparison between experiments and FE results indicated that the FE models were much stiffer for in-plane shear stiffness of the FRP deck panel. To modify the FE models, rotational spring elements were added between webs and flanges of FRP decks, to simulate the semirigid connections. Numerical analyses were also conducted on four-point bending experiments of FRP-steel composite girders. Good agreement between experimental results and FE analysis was achieved by comparing the load-deflection curves at midspan and contribution of composite action from FRP decks. With the validated FE models, the parametric studies were conducted on adhesively bonded connection between FRP decks and steel girders, which indicated that the loading transfer capacity of adhesive connection was not simply dependent on the shear modulus or thickness of adhesive layer but dominated by the in-plane shear stiffness K.

Determination of the bridge maintenance and rehabilitation priority scale in kabupaten Pinrang

This study attempts to get the support system to help stakeholders and the decision makers in the determination of priorities the maintenance and rehabilitation of the Bridge.The location of the study is done in Kabupaten Pinrang. Bridge damage value is specified using assessment standard Bridge Management System (BMS). There are 13 Bridges by details as follows: good condition with the condition 1 in 6 Bridge, damaged with the condition two as many as five fruit Bridges and there are two Bridges by value condition of three which means need handling rehabilitation. From our observation examination Bridges and it has been obtained the results of then afterward determined the priority scale by using the method Analytic Hierarchy Process. The discussion or interview of 27 respondents in completion question to determines the priorities of handling bridges by three (3) criteria and three sub- criteria with weights each: a condition of damage with weights 0,491 or amounting to 49,1 % followed by criteria policy with weights 0,324 % then criteria volume traffic weight of 0,185 or 18.5 %. Based on the results of this can be concluded that the implementation of a method of Analytic Hierarchy Processing is effective in determining the scale of priorities for the stakeholders. Having acquired value bridge condition and weights of the assessment results of the, then is needed to Analysis of spatial use application ArcGIS to obtain information condition Bridge Map.

Comparison between major repair and replacement options for a bridge deck life cycle assessment: A case study

Material production, manufacturing, transportation, usage, and end of lifeprocessing are usually the main contributors defining the life cycle assessment (LCA). Bridge infrastructure is important to the economy and the society. Over their life cycle, highway bridges experience several stressors that can significantly affect their structural performance and therefore require rehabilitation. This paper discusses the life cycle analysis of bridge rehabilitation decisions and demonstrates the analysis with a case study of a bridge located in Ontario, Canada. The LCA of the bridge deck is analyzed for two rehabilitation strategies: major repair and replacement. The study focuses on evaluating the different life cycle phases of the bridge deck by assessing their carbon dioxide emission, energy consumption and cost. Also, the paper presents the impact of the different elements within each phase to identify the most contributing elements. The LCA of the bridge deck is analyzed and estimated with the aid of CES EduPack 2016 software that includes a database of more than 4000 different materials and more than 200 manufacturing processes. Analysis of the case study shows that material phase causes significant life cycle impact. The study concluded that the deck replacement yields higher environmental impact and life cycle cost compared to repairing and strengthening the deck.

Development of an innovative prestressing CFRP plate anchor: Numerical modelling and parametric study

This article presents the design of a novel prestressing anchor for the carbon fibre-reinforced-polymer (CFRP) plates. This friction-based mechanical anchor can prestress the 50mm×1.2mm CFRP plates to its full tensile capacity of 2800MPa without any premature failure or slippage. The anchor is compact (100mm×74mm×126mm). The anchor is epoxy-free; therefore, there is no waiting time for the epoxy to set. A numerical model of the anchor, based on the finite element method using ABAQUS software, was constructed to develop this innovative anchor. A detailed parametric study was conducted in order to optimize different design parameters of the anchor. This innovative CFRP plate anchor can be used in the repair, rehabilitation and retrofitting of buildings, bridges and tunnels. This anchor can also be used in the automotive, ultra-high-speed train, aviation, space, satellite and shipbuilding industries.

Pareto front generation for bridge deck management system using bi-objective optimization

Bi-objective Optimization (BOO) method for the allocation of bridge deck Maintenance, Repair, and Rehabilitation (MR&R) budget is proposed using Bridge Management System (BMS) models. BOO problem is usually solved by using weighted sum method due to simple and easy of application. However, it is generally known that weighted sum method with linear objective functions finds the optimum solution which always lies on the boundary of feasible region. This phenomenon doesn't help the bridge engineers to have the choices when trade-off has to be made between objectives. Moreover, evenly distributed weights on objective functions does not guarantee the uniform distribution of optimized solution sets. This paper compares several multi-objective optimization techniques and proposes the improved solution technique that can be competent in terms of applicability for non-convex problem as well as production of only Pareto optimal solution sets. The proposed optimization technique is based on modification of well recognized method of “Normal Boundary Intersection” by Das and Dennis (1998). Using bi-objective optimization technique on bridge MR&R, decision maker will have more choice for the allocation of budget. Data obtained from Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) are used to validate the feasibility of application of proposed method for the maintenance of bridge decks.

An application of fuzzy factor analysis for sustainable bridge maintenance and retrofit projects

Sustainability in bridge maintenance and retrofit projects is an essential factor to achieve sustainable infrastructure development. Many studies have discussed issues relating to sustainable design and construction of transportation infrastructure; however, no major study has been conducted to identify the most significant factors involved in sustainable bridge rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to address the lack of Critical Green Factors (CGFs) for bridge rehabilitation projects. An extensive review was carried out to explore and identify the factors that are appropriate for rehabilitation projects. The research data were collected from a questionnaire survey and discussions with bridge engineering experts. Because of the imprecision and vagueness in subjective responses, the fuzziness in data analysis was taken into account by applying fuzzy set theory. The identified factors were then classified applying factor analysis to reduce the green factors into smaller meaningful groups. Three cut-off values, λ = 0.85, 0.90, and 0.95, were tested which resulted in the identification of 120, 111 and 77 factors, respectively. Accordingly, 77 critical factors were selected and classified together as a cluster of similar items into 14 groups. The findings of the study are expressed as groups of weighted CGFs that can be applied in green bridges rating systems.

Selection of the Method for Rehabilitation of Historic Bridges—A Decision Support Concept for the Planning of Rehabilitation Projects

ABSTRACTThis article presents a decision support concept for management of rehabilitation projects. The focus of the research is on the application of multicriteria methods of decision-making in planning a historic bridge rehabilitation project. The problem addressed in this research is a major one from many different perspectives, such as civil engineering, economics, etc., which indicates a need for the evaluation of different rehabilitation methods using several different criteria. Therefore, a decision support concept for a historic bridge rehabilitation method based on the PROMETHEE method has been designed. Three groups of stakeholders have been included (civil engineering experts, economic experts, and government experts) to define appropriate criteria, their weights, and preference functions. For determination of criteria weights, the AHP method has been used. The model has been tested on the problem of choosing the rehabilitation method for the Pavića Bridge in Croatia.

Shear-Friction Behavior of Groove Interface in Concrete Bridge Rehabilitation

AbstractThis study focuses on the shear-friction behavior of a groove interface with transverse reinforcement between existing concrete and newly poured concrete, which has been adopted in the rehabilitation project of three prestressed concrete box girder bridges in China. A series of push-off specimens with groove interfaces was tested with parameters of concrete strength, groove geometry, and reinforcement ratio. For comparison purposes, monolithic specimens and roughened specimens with or without transverse reinforcement were also tested to failure. Cracking loads, ultimate loads, residual strengths, cracking patterns, and failure modes were recorded. Load-slip curves, load-dilation behaviors, and load-strain relationships in steel reinforcement have been investigated. The groove on the surface of the existing concrete can significantly enhance shear-friction capacity of the interface between new and existing concrete. The transverse reinforcement can improve deformation capacity and residual resistan...

Balanced allocation of bridge deck maintenance budget through multi-objective optimization

Multi-objective optimization method for the allocation of bridge deck Maintenance, Repair, and Rehabilitation (MR&R) budget is proposed using Bridge Management System (BMS) models. In single-objective optimization method, the objective function is usually either total annual MR&R budget or structurally deficient deck area which must be minimized with given annual budget. These objective functions are minimized with constraints, and the solution methods are well-known for the most cases. In multi-objective optimization, objective functions can be the structurally deficient deck area as well as annual MR&R budget. Since structurally deficient deck area and level of annual deck MR&R budget are closely interrelated, State agencies need the method to balance the investment-deck improvement trade-off. This paper uses multi-objective optimization technique with linearly weighted sum method to find balanced MR&R alternatives for the network of bridge decks. Data obtained from Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) are used to validate the feasibility of application of multi-objective optimization for the maintenance of bridge decks.

Automated bridge load rating determination utilizing strain response due to ambient traffic trucks

Approximately 11% of bridges in the United States are categorized as structurally deficient and there is a marked need of more accurately evaluating true structural capacity. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems can provide a timely indication of the need for maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and replacement of bridges and can greatly improve the apportionment and management of limited resources. This paper presents an Automated Ambient Traffic (AAT) approach for determining load rating of bridges monitored by the BECAS SHM system under ambient traffic. The AAT approach was developed through a process integration of truck detection, bridge model calibration, and bridge load rating: (1) the quasi-static bridge strain response and the characteristics of associated trucks are collected; (2) multiple trucks are randomly sampled from a historic Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) database; and (3) for each combination of strain response and truck selection, an Finite Element (FE) model is calibrated and used to calculate a load rating. Sampling strategies were discussed for appropriately quantifying the influence of uncertainties of truck characteristics on the calibration and load rating results. To demonstrate this approach, a sample three-span, five-girder, and two-lane steel girder/concrete deck (I-80) bridge was utilized. A load rating of the I-80 Bridge using the Traditional Known Truck (TKT) approach was performed to provide benchmark results. The results of the calibration and load rating using the AAT approach were derived using three different sampling strategies and compared to those using the TKT approach. The sampling strategy, selecting strain response with a spectrum of higher peak girder strains, associated trucks with a spectrum of higher gross vehicle weights, and two truck events on south and north lanes respectively for a calibration, resulted in the best calibration and load rating results. It was concluded that the AAT approach using the BECAS SHM system is a reliable method for continuously estimating the load carrying capacity of bridges.

Influence of Reinforcement Corrosion on Reliability and Remaining Lifetime of RC Bridges

The evaluation of existing bridge structures is the most important process in the global Bridge Management System (BMS) because of providing the basic information about existing bridges required from the viewpoint of decision making process related to the optimal bridge maintenance and rehabilitation strategy. The theoretical approach using conditional probability and the positive effect of the inspection was developed. The new information concerning the actual structure condition is used in this mathematical model. This information is not available in the process of the new structure design [1]. The work is focused on structures subjected to bending [2]. The reinforced concrete beam elements with or without degradation were investigated. The corrosion of reinforcement bars was used as material degradation. The biggest effect of the inspection was obtained for members, which do not degrade. Hereby, the negative effect of degradation on reliability index is also demonstrated.

Multidisciplinary Approach to the Assessment of Seismic Performances and Rehabilitation of Bridges: Nonlinear Analyses, Probability Theory and Optimization Theory

The paper presents a multidisciplinary approach to the assessment of seismic performances based on the Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE), taking into account the multi-criteria optimization theory in analyzing the priority methods for bridge rehabilitation/strengthening. One bridge model was subjected to nonlinear static pushover analyses (NSPA), target displacement analyses using the spectrum capacity method (CSM), vulnerability analyses, and reliability analyses, while for a damaged bridge, in addition to be considered using the above methods, was also analyzed using the VIKOR method of multi-criteria optimization. Seismic performances were determined based on monitoring the system's plastification and analyzing the relevant parameters for the level of target displacement, such as target displacement, total shear force, spectral displacement, spectral acceleration, vibration period, damping and ductility. The phases of damage were considered using the probabilistic analysis of vulnerability and reliability: slight, moderate, extensive and complete, as a function of system ductility.

Hillsborough River Bascule Bridge Vibration and Rehabilitation

Hillsborough River Bascule Bridge, located in Tampa, Florida, vibrates significantly under traffic loading, and discomforting noises have been reported, especially in recent years. The cause of such a significant vibration was investigated. The bridge is briefly described. Analytical theory is then presented, including the vehicle model, bridge model, road surface model, and numerical methods. A vehicle is simulated as a three-dimensional nonlinear model. The bridge is treated as a space structure consisting of three-dimensional frame elements. The road profile is modeled as a stationary Gaussian random process that is described by a power spectral density function. The free and forced vibration characteristics of the bridge were investigated with trucks traveling over a rough deck. The stiffness effects of the main girders, bracings, and floor beams were studied. Analytical results indicate that insufficient stiffness of lateral bracings and floor beams is a main factor causing the severe vibration. Some rehabilitation schemes for mitigating the severe vibration were investigated. The actual behaviors of the rehabilitated bridge indicate that research results were correct and applicable to bascule bridge design and rehabilitation.

Existing bridge evaluation using deficiency point method

In the transforming EU countries, transportation infrastructure has a prominent position in advancing industry and society. Recent developments show, that attention should be moved from the design of new structures towards the repair and reconstruction of existing ones to ensure and increase their satisfactory structural reliability and durability. The problem is very urgent because many construction projects, especially transport infrastructure, in most European countries are more than 50-60 years old and require rehabilitations based on objective evaluations. Therefore, the paper presents methodology of existing bridge evaluation based on reliability concept using Deficiency Point Method. The methodology was prepared from the viewpoint to determine the priority order for existing bridge rehabilitation.

Special Issue on Sustainable Civil Infrastructures: Innovative Technologies and Materials

Special Issue on Sustainable Civil Infrastructures: Innovative Technologies and Materials

Bridge rehabilitation: A Ponte Vella, Lugo, Spain

The Lugo Roman bridge was built in the early first century AD over the Miño River. Throughout history, the bridge was the subject of numerous repairs and reconstruction. The rehabilitation works carried out between 2012 and 2013 gave it a similar image to the one it previously had until 1893, when the bridge underwent a major transformation to be expanded on both sides with a metal frame resting on stone pillars in the cutwaters and buttresses. The Roman bridge of Lugo followed that direction, basing its rehabilitation on basic criteria that have served to recover its heritage value and historical authenticity, strengthen documentary and scientific value of the monument with the use of techniques and materials compatible with the old factory to maintain their understanding and meaning, and distinguish and give prominence to the constructive legacy consisting on its original work and all reconstructions and contributions made throughout its history, without intent to achieve a unity of style, or that the intervention would result in a simple return of a particular historical phase of the bridge.

Rehabilitation of Historic Masonry Bridges: Lessons Learned from a Medieval Bridge in Northeast Spain

In the Iberian Peninsula there are many masonry bridges enduring over time that require inspection and maintenance. In 2007 it was carried out a restoration project on the bridge of Sant Andreu de Terri (Girona, Spain). Prior to this intervention, the bridge did not meet the safety and comfort requirements for the crossing of people and the walls showed loss of masonry stones and material from joints. The surface was cleaned and replaced the existing metal rail. The board was replaced; waterproof and longitudinal drainage pipes were installed to prevent water infiltration. As result of this action a historical, artistic and architectural heritage construction was recovered re-offering the use for which it was conceived.

The Challenges Related to Interface Bond Characterization of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete With Implications for Bridge Rehabilitation Practices

Abstract Over the past decade there has been a significant increase in the number of concrete transportation structures reaching the end of their service lives, typically as a result of age and severe degradation. This deterioration is often the result of exposure to aggressive environments and substantial increases in vehicle loading. Rehabilitation is typically the most appropriate solution for these structures because of the high cost of full replacement, resulting in the need for cost-effective and suitable solutions for rehabilitation. Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), one of the more recent advances in construction materials, appears to be a promising material for the repair of concrete structures. The potential benefit of UHPC is primarily derived from its negligible permeability, which prevents water or chemical penetration, and its high mechanical properties, which serve to increase the bearing capacity of the structure. Some of the primary challenges associated with the use of UHPC as a repair material are uncertainty in the bond performance and interaction with the existing substrate material. This paper focuses on the characterization of the interface bond and compatibility between UHPC and normal concrete. The testing program was conducted in the spirit of ASTM because no standard test methods currently exist for UHPC. In addition, a series of numerical models were developed to support the results obtained in the experimental investigations. The results highlight the exceptional performance of the bond, but they also demonstrate a number of challenges with respect to characterizing the bond. Specific challenges included characterization of surface roughness, premature specimen failure, material strength mismatch, and the quality and consistency of the testing methods used.

Metal concentrations and distribution in paint waste generated during bridge rehabilitation in New York State

Between 1950 and 1980, lead and chromium along with other metals have been used in paint coatings to protect bridges from corrosion. In New York State with 4500 bridges in 11 Regions 2385 of the bridges have been rehabilitated and subsequently repainted after 1989 when commercial use of lead based paint was prohibited. The purpose of this research was to address the concentration and distribution of trace metals in the paint waste generated during bridge rehabilitation. Using hypothesis testing and stratified sampling theory, a representative sample size of 24 bridges from across the state was selected that resulted in 117 paint waste samples. Field portable X-ray fluorescence (FP-XRF) analysis revealed metal concentrations ranged from 5 to 168,090mgkg−1 for Pb, 49,367 to 799,210mgkg−1 for Fe, and 27 to 425,510mgkg−1 for Zn. Eighty percent of the samples exhibited lead concentrations greater than 5000mgkg−1. The elevated iron concentrations may be attributed to the application of steel grit as an abrasive blasting material routinely used by state Departments of Transportation in the paint removal process. Other metals including Ba and Cr were observed in the paint waste as well. As a result of the paint formulation, metals were found to be associated in the paint waste (Pb correlated with Cr (r=0.85)). The elevated metal concentrations observed raises concern over the potential impact of leaching from this waste stream.