Technical approach and design principle of bridge strengthening and retrofitting

Main technical approaches

Bridge strengthening is generally to restore or improve the bearing capacity of existing bridges by improving the strength of the components and improving the structural performance, so as to prolong the service life of the bridge and adapt to the requirements of modern transportation. The main technical ways to retrofitting are: strengthening weak components, increasing auxiliary components, changing structural system, reducing dead load, strengthening pier and foundation.

The principle of strengthening scheme determination

It is generally believed that the strengthening scheme is basically feasible to meet the following conditions: the construction of a new bridge can save a lot of investment and material, and has obvious economic benefits. After the reinforcement of the bridge, the bridge can be used in terms of structure performance, bearing capacity or durability; the bridge substructure has sufficient potential.

Several common methods for bridge reinforcement

1.Carbon fiber reinfroced polymer(CFRP) strengthening

2.Prestressed CFRP laminate strengthening

3.Steel plate bonding strengthening

4.Section englargement