Puente Duarte Suspension Bridge strengthening

摘要

This paper describes the inspection, assessment and strengthening design of the Puente Duarte Suspension Bridge, which is undergoing a major rehabilitation and strengthening programme. The bridge carries a four-lane highway and comprises a conventional steel truss and concrete deck, supported by steel towers. Significant corrosion was found on primary structural elements such as the towers and main cables which, combined with strengthening requirements, has resulted in an extensive reconstruction project. The main towers are being strengthened by plating and stress relief by jacking load onto supplementary elements. The suspension system will be completely replaced, including new anchorages. The mainspan truss will be reprofiled and plated, and the side-spans and piers will be strengthened. The bridge is a primary route into the capital city, and the strengthening design will allow traffic to continue to use the bridge during construction, which is currently underway, with completion expected in mid-2000.