Do you know why many bridges are now facing structural reinforcement?

First of all, the previously designed bridge specifications were too low. Under the condition of increasing traffic volume, the load of highway bridges and culverts was increasing day by day, resulting in bridge diseases.

Secondly, under the influence of time, the bridge structure will also experience aging, damage, large deformation, and serious cracking.

As a result... many bridges cannot meet the existing conditions of use, and some have even become dangerous bridges. Bridge reinforcement has become a major problem facing roads and bridges.

Commonly used bridge reinforcement methods include bonding steel method, pouring steel method, pasting carbon fiber method, and prestressed bridge reinforcement method. Below, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of these bridge reinforcement methods.

[Bridge Reinforcement-Bonding Steel Plate and Pouring Steel Bridge Reinforcement Method]

Advantages: large increase in bearing capacity

Disadvantages: high cost, long cycle, great impact on bridge structure, high maintenance cost in later period

[Bridge Reinforcement-Pasting Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Method]

Advantages of bridge reinforcement: convenient and quick construction, little impact on the bridge, low maintenance cost

Disadvantages of bridge reinforcement: small increase in bearing capacity

[Bridge Reinforcement-Prestressed Carbon Plate Reinforcement Method]

Advantages: Able to realize active bearing, low maintenance cost in later period

Disadvantages: small increase in bearing capacity

[Bridge Reinforcement-Prestressed Steel Cable Reinforcement Method]

Advantages: Able to realize active bearing, and the bearing capacity is greatly improved

Disadvantages: high maintenance cost, large space occupation, poor aesthetics and performance

According to the existence of bridge diseases, vehicle traffic needs and future traffic development trends, the necessity and feasibility of reinforcement are analyzed and judged, and then the technical and economic effects of various reinforcement plans are compared, and a reasonable reinforcement plan is selected. Meet the following requirements:

1. It is feasible and meaningful to save more than 60-70% of the cost of rebuilding the new bridge. Including the economic loss caused by the strengthening of the bridge and the interruption of traffic.

2. After the bridge is strengthened, its structural performance, bearing capacity and durability can meet the requirements for use.

3. The substructure of the bridge has satisfactory potential and can satisfy the requirements for the foundation of the strengthened bridge.

4. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the advancement, economy and durability of bridge reinforcement technology, and strive to adopt a reinforcement plan with better indicators.