Repair and dynamic-based condition assessment of impact damage to a freeway overpass bridge near Mossel Bay, South Africa

Author(s): A.A. Newmark, P. Moyo, E.J. Kruger
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting III (ICCRRR)
Editor(s): M.G. Alexander, H.-D. Beushausen, F. Dehn, P. Moyo
Print ISBN: 978-0-415-89952-9
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Pages: 399- 400
Total Pages: 2
Language: English

Abstract: 
This freeway overpass bridge is located near Mossel Bay, South Arica. It consists of a four span beam and slab type structure. Vehicle impact damage to the bridge occurred as a result of an illegally loaded vehicle passing underneath. The impact caused significant damage to an edge beam during which the functionality of this beam was largely destroyed. As a result the beam was mainly supported by the transverse diaphragm beams connected to adjacent beams. It was concluded from a detailed assessment and further design evaluations that repairs would require reconstruction of a section of the beam and the reinstatement of longitudinal tension capacity over the full extent of the beam. The final repair method included positive load application to ensure that the longitudinal and transverse load characteristics of the structure were reinstated. This was done by utilizing post tensioned tendons which were cast into a new in-situ beam web section attached to the inside face of the damaged beam. A new steel plate which would also act as edge armouring provided the optimum solution to reinstate part of the original capacity. On instruction of the owner, the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), the effectiveness of the installation was assessed by means of dynamic based condition assessment before and after completion. These tests were performed by the University of Cape Town, Department of Civil Engineering, and proved that the rehabilitation intervention was successful in restoring the interaction between the damaged beam and the rest of the bridge and reinstating the load transfer capacity.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00