Strengthening Highway and Railway Bridge Structures with FRP Composites - Case Studies

摘要

Throughout the world, a significant percentage of bridges are in a deteriorated state. The main reasons for the poor state of these bridges are lack of good detailing for durability, corrosion of metallic components, damage to the structure and, most importantly, the increase in traffic volume and loads over time. Strengthening of such bridge structures using FRP (fibre reinforced polymer) composites has become increasingly common in the last decade due, essentially, to their cost effectiveness and the reduction of impact on traffic flow. This paper describes six case studies where FRP composites, in different forms, were used to strengthen RC (reinforced concrete) and metallic bridges. In particular the observed advantages and disadvantages of FRP strengthening techniques are highlighted.