Bridges

Some old bridges in Australia were constructed with a deck system consisting of non-composite concrete slab over steel girders. The paper herein presents the methodology for structural retrofitting/ strengthening of these existing bridges based on their condition assessment. The study has looked at the use of blind bolts as an alternative to the convention headed stud shear connectors, and to improved procedures and methods for rehabilitation of bridges. In order to meet present and future demands regarding effective, reliable and safe bridges, it is important to upgrade the existing bridges and ensure that they will behave properly under increased loads and higher speeds. These demands can in many cases be met through assessment of the bridge structure considering the actual condition of the structure and its true behaviour which may be evaluated by testing and monitoring.