Studies on Repair of Concrete Elements

Structural concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials. Due to changes in the design specification for bridges, increases in legal loads, potential for over-height vehicle impacts, and general bridge deterioration, there is need for new procedures for strengthening and/or rehabilitating existing reinforced and prestressed concrete bridges. In this investigation, strengthening and rehabilitating are considered to be specific means of repairing. The problems previously noted occur in the superstructure as well as in the substructure and are commonplace for state bridge engineers, county engineers and consultants. In the past, several different materials and procedures have been used for strengthening/ rehabilitating structural concrete with varying degrees of success. Some of the procedures used may be effective initially, however, they may not be effective long term especially if the deterioration is due to chloride contamination. Thus, research was needed to develop successful repair methods/ materials for strengthening/rehabilitating various structural concrete bridge elements.