A fundamental study on remaining load bearing capacity of an existing deteriorated bridge

Abstract

Recently, it becomes very important to evaluate remaining load bearing capacity of existing deteriorated structure. However, there is a rare opportunity to assess remaining capacity of deteriorated structures. In this study, we investigated load bearing capacity of an existing RC structure that has severe delamination of cover concrete. In order to evaluate exact capacity of them, dynamic strain responses of main reinforcing bars were measured with video image of passing cars. Next, to confirm the validness of the investigation, their strain responses are simulated by three-dimensional finite element analysis. In the analyses, delamination of cover concrete and corrosion of reinforcing bar are modeled as degradation effects and stiffening effect of asphalt paving is also considered. As a result of these analyses, it is confirmed that object structure has enough remaining load bearing capacity although they have severe delamination condition of cover concrete.