Extending The Service Life of Existing Bridges: “Key Concrete Repair & Strengthening Basics”

This presentation updates the audience on the functional status of the nation’s most critical infrastructure component – bridges. According to ASCE, the current state of our nation’s bridges is rated as a “C-“ overall. With thousands of newer bridges in place, many older bridges that were bult in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and still in service display in many cases multiple signs of deterioration. Is it too late to extend the service life of these structures? This presentation will explore several causes of concrete deterioration, followed by repair and strengthening construction techniques that require the use of high quality materials and systems that will extend the service life of a structure for many years into the future.

Presentation Objectives:

1. Identify common deterioration issues associated with bridge structures
2. Review general ACI and ICRI preparation and repair processes needed prior to placing new repair and/or strengthening materials
3. Become familiar with various repair and/or strengthening materials that are specified by bridge engineers and factored into the repair’s design that will extend the service life of the structural element(s)
4. Stressing a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks associated with existing concrete structures