Strengthening of Bridge Decks By Adding New Concrete Layers

Abstract eng:
Deterioration or need to increase the load bearing capacity of bridge decks requires the strengthening of the decks by the addition of new elements. Placing reinforced concrete layers to strengthen or repair and strengthen concrete bridge decks on the compression or the tension side of the element is a normal construction practice. However, there are many unresolved issues regarding the capacity and the interface behaviour between the existing deck and the new layer of the strengthened elements especially under seismic actions. The new deck created is a reinforced concrete composite member. In the present study an analytical model has been developed for the estimation of the ultimate strength of such a composite deck. The shear stress at the interface of the function results from experimental data and depends on the connecting means. The influence of cyclic loading on the behaviour of the interface between the new concrete layer and the existing deck is considered. The model is complemented by a computer program in order to facilitate the relative calculations. Finally, an analytical procedure for the structural design and detailing of strengthened or repaired and strengthened bridge decks by the addition of new concrete is proposed. Moreover the induced shear stresses and forces at the interface can be assessed to design the necessary connection means, in order that there will be no failure of the contact interface, before the retrofitted deck reaches its flexural capacity.

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