Synthesis of Available Methods for Repair of Reinforced Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Girders [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-UNR02]

Project Information
Link to Latest Report: Final Report
ABC-UTC Guide

Background:
Many bridges in the United States are aging and due for repair or strengthening. Corrosion of reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete girders is a problem that can significantly reduce the bearing capacity of bridges. Moreover, over-height vehicles continue to collide and impact bridge girders around the country, which compromise the flexural capacity of bridge girders. Several research studies and state DOTs initiatives looked into innovative repair and strengthening methods for girder end zones and/or mid span impacts. The goal of this project is to synthesize the available literature on bridge girder repair methods with focus on reinforced concrete and prestress girders and end zones damage. The synthesis will summarize and compare the design and application procedure of different methods to provide a guide or catalog for bridge engineers working on girders and end zone repair.

Objective:
The objective of this project is to collect all the available information from research studies and DOT practices on reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete girders and end zone repair, and synthesize this information for a comprehensive summary of the methods and application procedure and guidelines.

Scope:
The project objective will be achieved through a series of tasks as follows.

  • Task 1 – Conduct comprehensive literature search on girders and end zone repair methods
  • Task 2 – Categorize all the available information based on material of repair, method of application, etc.
  • Task 3 – Reach out to representative state DOTs for feedback on preferred repair methods
  • Task 4 – Synthesize results from previous tasks in a final report and provide guidelines on selection of best repair method

Research Team:
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Mohamed Moustafa
Research Assistant:  Azin Ghaffary

Previous Reports: