Bridges have played a key role throughout human history. Overcoming various obstacles, these engineering structures always connect trade routes, cities and even countries.

Some of the oldest architectural works have become popular landmarks in some cities.

The convenience and safety of transportation or the movement of people are the main operational tasks. As a result, the problem of monitoring the condition of old bridges, maintaining them continuously, and eliminating failures and damages in a timely manner has arisen.

Earlier, in the design phase, the load for these years was calculated without considering the dynamics of freight turnover growth. Therefore, many overpasses are exposed to twice the design pressure.

Bridge destructive factors

Architects, engineers and builders participate in the design and construction of bridges. During the drawing and calculation stages, they must consider many situations that may have a negative impact on the structure of the structure:

1）The movement of water transport forms a traveling wave, and the traveling wave collides with the support that provides the dynamic load.

2）Road/rail transportation exerts constant pressure on beams and spans. This effect can increase or decrease depending on the speed and number of vehicles.

3）Climate conditions in the area

4）Ecology.

5）The level of seismic activity and soil mobility.

But even considering all these points, the bridge will wear out over time. They are affected by metal element corrosion, deterioration of concrete properties, cracking, and deformation. The structure is also morally obsolete-due to the increase in exercise intensity and speed, it can no longer operate safely. In the context of modern progress, about 30 years later, the bridge can be considered morally obsolete, even though it may not have been physically worn by then.

In order to compensate for the deterioration of the structure, builders are taking measures to strengthen it, the purpose of which is to increase the maximum load more than currently. Using this solution, engineers can extend the life of the building until the next repair.

Bridge reinforcement method

Modern reinforcement methods are based on widening the cross-section of the current structure, or constructing additional elements that bear part of the load.

https://www.horseen.com/solution/comparison-main-reinforcement-methods-of-bridges

With the development of industry, the technical requirements of bridges in terms of bearing capacity and size have become more and more stringent. However, it is more economical to carry out high-quality reinforcement and repair of the commissioned structure than to build a new structure.