PSI - Issue 62

Francesco Bencardino et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 62 (2024) 972–982 Francesco Bencardino/ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

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5. Conclusions In conclusion, the shear and bending strengthening of the reinforced concrete (RC) bridge, performed with the designed carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) intervention, has demonstrated its effectiveness and long-term durability. Through a comprehensive assessment, it is evident that the application of CFRP-strengthening successfully mitigated the structural deficiencies in the bridge, ensuring its continued performance and safety. Over the course of time, visual monitoring of the bridge has consistently shown that the proposed intervention remains valid and robust. The absence of any discernible signs of loss of strength, stiffness, or decay is a testament to the enduring quality of the CFRP-strengthening strategy. This outcome reaffirms the engineering foresight and meticulous planning behind the project, as well as the exceptional properties of CFRP-materials. The sustained structural integrity of the RC bridge not only preserves its functionality, but also underscores the potential of innovative solutions like CFRP in enhancing the lifespan and reliability of critical infrastructure. This success story serves as an exemplar for future endeavors in the field of civil engineering and infrastructure rehabilitation. In a world where aging infrastructure is a pervasive concern, the positive outcomes of this CFRP-strengthening project underscore the importance of proactive maintenance and modernization efforts. By leveraging advanced materials and techniques, we can ensure the continued safety and efficiency of vital transportation networks, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. The case of this RC-bridge stands as a testament to the enduring value of engineering excellence and the resilience it imparts to our essential structures. The results of the FRP-strengthening intervention on the deteriorated RC-bridge were highly satisfying. Through rigorous inspection and analysis, it was observed that the bridge exhibited significant improvements in both shear (capacity/demand = 1.08) and bending (capacity/demand = 1.04) bearing, validating the effectiveness of the applied CFRP-materials. Furthermore, the comprehensive rehabilitation approach successfully mitigated the effects of material decay, enhancing the structural integrity and extending the service life of the bridge as testified in several visual inspections. The evaluation of the specific debonding strains for CFRP plates and sheets played a crucial role in preventing premature delamination, ensuring the long-term performance of the strengthening system. Overall, this study highlights the ability of the FRP-strengthening technique as a reliable and efficient solution for addressing the structural deficiencies of existing infrastructure damaged by material decay, contributing to increased safety and sustainability in our transportation networks. References CNR-DT 200. Guide for the design and construction of externally bonded FRP systems for strengthening existing structures - Materials, RC and PC structures, masonry structures; National Research Council - Advisory committee on technical recommendations for construction, Roma – CNR July 13 th , 2004 Hu, W., Li, Y., & Yuan, H. (2020). Review of experimental studies on application of FRP for strengthening of bridge structures. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2020, 1-21. ISCARSAH (2003) International Scientifc Committee for Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage. Recommendations for the Analysis, Conservation and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage - ICOMOS Italian Guideline - Ministry of Infrastructures. Istruzioni Per l ’ applicazione delle NTC 08 – Circolare 2 Febbraio 2009 n 617/C.S.LL.PP; 2009 [in Italian]. Italian Code - Ministry of Infrastructures. Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni (NTC). Nuove norme tecniche per le costruzioni e relative istruzioni; D.M.14-01-2008 [in Italian]. Obe, P. C. D., & Ing, L. P. D. (2001). Optimum Maintenance Strategies for Trunk Road Bridges in England and Italy. In Current and Future Trends in Bridge Design, Construction and Maintenance 2: Safety, Economy, Sustainability and Aesthetics; Proceedings of the International Conference Organized by the Institution of Civil Engineers and Held in Hong Kong on 25-26 April 2001 (Vol. 2, p. 341). Telford. Okeil, A. M., Belarbi, A., & Kuchma, D. A. (2013). Reliability assessment of FRP-strengthened concrete bridge girders in shear. Journal of Composites for Construction, 17(1), 91-100. Pellegrino, C., Pipinato, A., & Modena, C. (2011). A simplified management procedure for bridge network maintenance. Structure and Infrastructure Engineering, 7(5), 341-351. Calvi, G. M., Moratti, M., O ’ Reilly, G. J., Scattarreggia, N., Monteiro, R., Malomo, D., ... & Pinho, R. (2019). Once upon a time in Italy: The tale of the Morandi Bridge. Structural Engineering International, 29(2), 198-217.