ridge life-time extension through strengthening with TRC
Project data
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Titel | Title |
Abstract
Thousands of bridges in Germany are considered in need of rehabilitation. They require maintenance and strengthening measures, and the demand for solutions that preserve existing structures, conserve resources and improve construction efficiency is steadily increasing. Carbon-reinforced concrete offers new opportunities in this context. Thin and high-performance strengthening layers can be used to upgrade existing bridges and significantly extend their remaining service life.
At the beginning of the project, previously realized bridge strengthening projects using carbon-reinforced concrete were analyzed and compiled into a structured collection of case studies. Based on this work and using only a few key parameters, a decision tool was developed that allows engineers to estimate, whether strengthening with carbon-reinforced concrete may be technically and economically feasible for a given bridge. In parallel, we began to categorize typical bridge scenarios.
End anchorage test with carbon-reinforced concrete strengthening
Another major focus of the work so far has been on experimental investigations of the structural behavior of carbon-reinforced concrete strengthening systems. The aim is to better understand the performance of the strengthening layer under realistic loading conditions, particularly under non-predominantly static loading caused by traffic. For this purpose, an experimental program with small-scale specimens was developed. Special attention is given to the concrete-concrete interface between the existing structure and the newly applied strengthening layer, which governs the force transfer between the two materials. In addition to mechanical loading, temperature effects are also considered. Advanced monitoring techniques are used: fiber-optic sensors integrated into the strengthening layer provide continuous strain measurements along the reinforcement which were complemented by photogrammetric measurements.
Surface roughening of a prestressed concrete beam for strengthening
In the next project phases, the experiments will be extended to larger structural elements, and the monitoring technology will be validated under realistic conditions. The results will contribute to practical recommendations for the design, execution and monitoring of carbon-reinforced concrete strengthening systems and will ultimately be demonstrated on a pilot bridge.