INNOVATIVE METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR STRENGTHENING LOAD BEARING STRUCTURES IN THE BRIDGES

Abstract

This study investigates innovative strengthening methods and materials for load-bearing bridge structures, aimed at enhancing the service life and structural safety of in-service bridges. The primary causes of bridge deterioration and defect formation are examined, including mechanical fatigue induced by cyclic traffic loading, reinforcement corrosion, environmental degradation, and escalating operational loads. A comprehensive review of contemporary strengthening solutions is presented, encompassing Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) and Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems, prestressed Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) technologies, High Performance and Ultra-High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (HPFRC/UHPFRC) jacketing, as well as hybrid steel-FRP composite systems — evaluated in terms of their structural efficiency, practical applicability, and long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the significance of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems in facilitating early-stage damage detection is addressed. The analytical framework is applied to the load-bearing structures of the Česlovas Radzinauskas Bridge in Kaunas, where the most frequently identified deterioration phenomena include type I concrete corrosion, spalling of reinforcement cover, active reinforcement corrosion, biodeterioration, construction joint cracking, and related deficiencies. A comparative analysis of structural strengthening design calculations is conducted, providing a basis for the evaluation and selection of optimal rehabilitation strategies.