Reinforcement of Existing r.c. Bridges Through Composite Intradox Steel Elements to Prevent Brittle Failure

Sassu, Mauro

;Doveri, Fabio;Ferrini, Martina;Mistretta, Fausto

2025-01-01

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Abstract

The reinforcement of existing r.c. bridges is influenced by the possibility to minimize the period of closure of the road lane. The authors proposed a reinforcement method based on the increment of strength capacity of the existing beams with the introduction of new steel ones placed at the intrados between the r.c. beams. This generates a composite RC-steel structure able to reduce the main vulnerability elements and mostly brittle failure mechanisms. The coupling of a temporary steel bridge provides the separation between works and road traffic, also permitting the continuous use of the road lane, together with a low-cost amount of works. A simple numerical model quantifies the performance of the restored bridge, applying the method on a real case study.