Maintenance is usually limited to the current works performed systematically to ensure normal and safe

utilization of bridge structures.

Repair is the process that restores a deteriorated concrete element to a service level equal to or almost
equal to the as-built condition and no effort is made to prevent or significantly retard deterioration
mechanisms.

Strengthening consists of endowing the structure with a service level, higher than that initially planned
by modifying the structure not necessarily damaged structure.

Rehabilitation is the process that corrects the deficiency that resulted in the assessed deteriorated
condition.

Retrofitting focuses on the modification of existing structures to enhance their capability to resist
earthquakes. There are two types of situations that require retrofitting in bridges, (i) Existing bridges that
are deficient to meet requirements of current codes and are vulnerable to damage; these bridges have not
yet experienced even moderate earthquakes, (ii) Existing bridges that are damaged in earthquakes. The
principal issues faced while retrofitting are; 1. Identifying structural deficiencies, 2. Ageing effects, 3.
Level of risk, 4. Importance, 5. Detailed seismic evaluation - (seismic capacity, weaker sections, and
mode of failure). The retrofitting may be required in each of the components of the bridge, such as,
superstructure, bearings, substructure and foundations. The extent of retrofitting will be based on detailed
seismic assessment following dynamic methods of analysis.

Common bridge damage/failure types as seen around the world are:

(i) Superstructure: Traditionally there is no linkage provided between two adjacent spans in the case
of multi–span simply supported bridges as a result spans are dislodged from supports due to out-
of-phase motion in piers or bearing failures. In many cases, spans fall from their supports
resulting in irreparable damage. Superstructure deficiency is also associated with inadequate seat
length at expansion joints on the supports or the abutments resulting in unseating of span.
(ii) Bearings: There have been problems with jumping, and inadequacy of bearings in
accommodating displacements. Inadequate seat width on bearing supports or at expansion joints
has caused unseating of the span.
(iii) Substructure: The various types of deficiencies observed in RC columns and piers are (i) Lack of
flexural strength, (ii) Lack of shear strength (iii) Insufficient transverse reinforcement and
confinement (iv) inadequate lap splicing of longitudinal steel (v) In adequate ductile detailing in
 plastic hinge region of columns (vi) Premature termination of longitudinal steel in piers (vii)
Insufficient strength of joints between pile cap beams.
(iv) Inadequacy of foundation and soil strength: Liquefaction of soil often results in damage due to
unequal settlements and loss of span types of failures. Abutment failure can occur due to
increased earth pressure; abutment slumping is known to occur in soft soils. Inadequate strength
of footings, wells, and/or piles can result in foundation failures.
(v) Lateral Spreading: Spreading, cracking, or opening up of the ground, large enough to cars.

OBJECTIVE is to provide field inspectors and engineers with a quick guide for post-earthquake retrofit
of bridges. CLASSIFICATIONS • Immediate Action / Retrofit • Short-Term Retrofit • Long-Term
Retrofit.

IMMEDIATE ACTION/RETROFIT Intended to stabilize the bridge and reduce the likelihood of further
damage or progressive collapse, particularly during after-shocks. Make the site safer for further detailed
inspection and retrofit.

SHORT-TERM RETROFIT Intended to make the bridge safer for light emergency traffic (police cars,
ambulances, etc.), heavy emergency traffic (fire trucks) at limited speed, or allow ALL traffic. Immediate
and short-term retrofits may overlap, whereas the immediate retrofit may serve as a short-term retrofit.

LONG-TERM RETROFIT Intended to restore the bridge to its original strength, and possibly strengthen
the bridge to improve its seismic resistance It may involve a detailed seismic analysis of the bridge, as
well as a detailed design of the retrofit system by a structural engineer.

The design philosophy for retrofitting should normally conform to that of the new bridge design. This is
the minimum design performance expected from a retrofitted structure. The design philosophy for new
structures is as follows: I. The structure is designed to resist Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) with only
minor damage, which should be repairable. II. The structure is designed to resist Maximum Considered
Earthquake (MCE) with some structural damage but controlled so as to prevent collapse. Higher Level of
Performance: A higher degree of performance can however be specified to control damage such as the
availability of vital communication routes immediately after the earthquake. This will restrict the
occurrence of the category of damage specified, such as loss of girder supports, collapse of substructure,
and liquefaction failure of foundation soil. The purpose of this level of retrofit is to prevent collapse, as
well as to provide serviceability after a major earthquake. The performance level is to be specified prior
to retrofit design.
Selection On the basis of detailed seismic assessment, it should be determined whether individual
component level retrofits such as extending seating width, providing restrainer, or a global retrofit of a
complete bridge to be undertaken. The global retrofit may include jacketing of bridge piers, replacement
of bearings, and retrofit of foundations. Design of Retrofit Measures The retrofitted structure should be
re-analyzed using dynamic analysis. The checking of the design of the retrofitted structure should be
based on current design codes. The retrofit techniques can also be tested on model/prototype components
in the laboratory under cyclic loading tests.

POST-EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING:

• Approach Roadways • Bridge Decks • Bridge Abutments • Bridge Piers and Column • Bridge Girders •
Foundation.

RETROFITTING OF SUPERSTRUCTURE

Superstructures will not normally need strengthening due to their high rigidity and large flexural capacity.
Superstructure deficiency is associated with their unseating at expansion joints or on bearing supports due
to relative displacements. The most commonly observed type of failure in a superstructure of simply
supported bridges is a girder falling off the supports due to longitudinal response. To prevent such type of
failure, the adjoining spans should be interconnected by connection rods/restrainers/linkage bolts.

Deck Failure, joint failure, pounding failure.

Retrofit of Damaged Approach Roadway • In general, the level of damage is classified based on the
amount of settlement • For minor settlement (d<6”), it is not critical structural damage, however, it may
pose a serious driving hazard, that may affect traffic safety (use warning signs). For major settlement
(d>6”), must check the abutment and its wing walls • Retrofit: refilled/repaved.

Retrofit of damaged bridge abutment.

Retrofit of damaged deck slab.

POST-EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING OF SUBSTRUCTURE

Post-Earthquake retrofit of bridges:

1. Application of External Prestressing strands/bars on the pier caps.

2. Provide transverse shear keys.
3. Provide Horizontal link beams for pier cap force reduction.
4. Knee joint retrofit with steel plates.
 5. Infill shear wall in multi-column bents.
6. Retrofit for wall pier with starter bars.
7. Steel casing of Columns: Not only is it utilized to enhance the flexural capacity of the column but
also improves shear capacity. Therefore, it is suitable for columns with shear and flexural
deficiency.
8. Bridge concrete column casing (Jacketing) The requirements of new column design are employed
for the design of bridge column jacking. Not only does this method increase the flexural capacity
of the bridge column but also enhances its shear strength in addition to improving column
confinement. The practical work includes the placement of stirrups or hoop reinforcement around
the column followed by drilling and bonding bars into the column. Finally, concrete will be
placed and the aesthetic appearance of the column will be maintained.
9. Fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Casings of Columns: This method can be used to increase the
shear capacity and confinement of the bridge column. it could be an economic approach for
enhancing the bridge column apart from the cases where the restriction of lap splice slippage
inside the anticipated plastic hinge areas is needed. Fiber-reinforced plastic composite is flexible
and can be wrapped around bridge columns which means the original shape of the column would
be maintained. This is especially significant when the aesthetic appeal of the element is intended
to be kept.
10. Wire Wrap Casings of Bridge Columns: This technique includes hand-wrapping of prestressing
strands onto the column and placing wedges between the strand column interface. This system
can be employed in various column shapes similar to fiber-reinforced plastic composite casing.
11. Application of Structural shapes/cables.
12. Base isolators. These structural elements separate the structure from the shaking ground. In a
retrofit, material is removed from the foundation and replaced by isolating pads. Care must be
taken to ensure that the isolated elements sway relative to each other in a safe way.
13. Supplementary dampers: These dampers transform motion energy into heat. This helps dissipate
the effect shaking can have on a bridge.
14. Additional structural support, reinforcements, and enhancements: Some older bridges benefit
from reinforcements that strengthen them. Others are more likely to make it through a seismic
event if rigid elements are replaced by more flexible ones that allow the bridge to sway.

Column failure in shear and flexure

CONCLUSIONS

A retrofit system is intended to serve the role of the damaged element or sub-element.
Advantages of Retrofitting

1. Increases the life of the building.

2. Helps in increasing stability and sustainability.

3. Helps in strengthening and enhancement of the structure.

Disadvantages of Retrofitting

1. Small irresponsibility can cause further damage.

2. Requires expert analysis before proceeding to retrofit

3. Manpower involved needs to be of good expertise.