Experimental and numerical investigation of the flexural behavior of repaired reinforced concrete bridge girder with exposed reinforcement

What is it about?

This paper investigates the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete bridge girders with exposed reinforcement. The study includes an experimental assessment of the capacity of reinforced concrete beams with partially deteriorated steel reinforcements. The researchers evaluated deficient, intact, repaired, and strengthened specimens. A retrofitting technique using high-strength concrete repair and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) was proposed to address the partially exposed and degraded steel reinforcement sections. The results indicated that the proposed technique is an efficient way to regain structural integrity and enhance the load-bearing capacity of damaged reinforced concrete bridge girders.

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Photo by Victor Kravchenko on Unsplash

Photo by Victor Kravchenko on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This paper is important for several reasons: * Addresses a Critical Problem: It tackles the issue of deterioration in reinforced concrete bridge girders, a major concern for civil engineers and infrastructure maintenance. The ASCE's 2013 report highlighted that a significant percentage of bridges in the United States are structurally deficient, emphasizing the need for effective rehabilitation techniques. * Provides a Practical Solution: The study proposes and tests a specific repair and strengthening technique using high-strength concrete and CFRP rods. This offers a practical approach to addressing the common problem of exposed and degraded steel reinforcement in bridge structures. * Quantifies the Impact of Damage: The research quantifies the reduction in load-bearing capacity caused by damage to concrete and steel reinforcement. This provides valuable data for assessing the severity of damage and the necessity for repair. * Validates the Effectiveness of the Repair Method: The paper experimentally validates the effectiveness of the proposed repair method, demonstrating its ability to restore structural integrity and enhance load-bearing capacity. * Combines Experimental and Numerical Analysis: The study combines experimental testing with finite element analysis, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the structural behavior of damaged and repaired girders. In essence, this paper contributes to the field of civil engineering by offering a data-backed solution to a prevalent problem in bridge maintenance, thereby promoting safer and more durable infrastructure.