EVALUATION OF BRIDGE SLAB STRENGHENING SYSTEM

A method has been developed to strengthen existing deteriorating bridge slabs from underneath, thus eliminating disruption of traffic. A small portion of two structures near downtown Houston, Texas, was strengthened using this method. The effectiveness of this strengthening was evaluated by means of field measurements of deflection and strain under static wheel loading before and after strengthening. The strengthening system was erected under traffic conditions with little difficulty. It reduced slab deflections and stresses by more than 50% and provided a significant increase in ultimate strength. The strengthening system has not healed the existing slab cracking and some type of surface sealing will be required to prevent further surface decomposition by exposure to contaminants. /Author/

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Study conducted in cooperation with DOT, Federal Highway Administration.
• Corporate Authors:

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transp

  Bridge Division, 11th and Brazos Streets
  Austin, TX  United States  78701
• Authors:
  • Butler, H D
  • Furr, H L
  • Suchicki, E J
• Publication Date: 1976-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 73 p.
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 5F306

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Deflection; Deterioration; Field tests; Static loads; Stresses; Ultimate strength
• Uncontrolled Terms: Field measurements
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149585
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: DHT 1-5-75-219-F Final Rpt., 4
• Contract Numbers: 1-5-75-219 (HP&R)
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Apr 13 1977 12:00AM