Eugen Brühwiler, Ph.D., Professor, Dr Structural Engineer, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland

Webinar Documents:
Accelerated Bridge Strengthening using UHPFRC - pdf of presentation
Q&A Session - pdf
News - December 14, 2017 - pdf of presentation

Description: Ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (UHPFRC) technology adds a layer of strain-hardening UHPFRC to the reinforced concrete (RC) deck slab of existing bridges showing durability problems (e.g., rebar corrosion, alkali-aggregate reactivity, frost damage) and insufficient structural capacity. In Switzerland, this technology has proven to be technically effective and economic to increase the structural resistance and durability of such bridges. The novel UHPFRC technology allows for rapid interventions limiting restriction of bridge use that significantly contributes to cost reduction. In addition, strengthening using UHPFRC avoids the costly replacement of damaged bridge deck slabs. This presentation is intended for bridge engineers willing to implement UHPFRC to strengthen their RC bridges and steel-concrete composite bridges using a rapid and economic intervention. The basic idea of the UHPFRC strengthening method is introduced by means of the designs for the strengthening of two large highway viaducts in Switzerland.

Presentation Photos/Graphics:

1) Conceptual idea : enhance RC using UHPFRC !

2) Basic concept of enhancement of bridges using UHPFRC

3) Casting of a 2-inch layer of UHPFRC on the 1.3 miles long Chillon Viaducts in Switzerland in 2014/15 for the enhancement of the structural performance and durability to provide a second service duration

4) Concept of enhancement of 3 highway viaducts (2017-19)