EVALUATION OF BRIDGE SLAB STRENGTHENING SYSTEM

A method has been developed to strengthen existing deteriorating bridge slabs from underneath, thus eliminating disruption of traffic. A small portion of two structures near downtown Houston, Texas, was strengthened using this method. The effectiveness of this strengthening was evaluated by means of field measurements of deflection and strain under static wheel loading before and after strengthening. The strengthening system was erected under traffic conditions with little difficulty. It reduced slab deflections and stresses by more than 50% and provided a significant increase in ultimate strength. The strengthening system has not healed the existing slab cracking and some type of surface sealing will be required to prevent further surface decomposition by exposure to contaminants. /Author/