Bridges, as engineering structures, play a crucial role in transportation, equipment, goods, and more. Bridges are subjected to significant forces and stresses, most of which are borne by the bridge foundations. Any damage or deterioration in this part of the bridge structure challenges its primary function. Since every engineering structure inevitably suffers damage and corrosion over time due to environmental conditions, bridge foundations are no exception. Traditional repair methods often require taking the transport line out of service, which results in significant financial costs and causes disruptions to transport operations.
Modern technologies in civil engineering often lead to the use of new materials. Since the late 1970s, Europe has conducted extensive research on the use of fiber-reinforced composite materials (FRP) in civil engineering. The results of these studies revealed unique characteristics such as high strength, excellent stiffness, corrosion resistance, and low weight. Fiber-reinforced composites (FRP) are widely used in the reinforcement of concrete structures. These research results led to the development of a new technology for the repair and strengthening of old concrete bridges using fiber-reinforced composite materials. Among these, carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRP) have become increasingly popular.
The primary material used for reinforcing with carbon fiber-reinforced composites is continuous carbon fibers with high strength and elastic modulus, woven in one direction. These fibers are impregnated with epoxy resin and applied to the part of the bridge concrete surface that needs reinforcement.
Advanced FRP composite systems, which include reinforcement using carbon and fiberglass fibers, are used to strengthen essential components and joints of concrete bridges. Since joints and supports bear the most stress, they require additional reinforcement. Bridge foundations must have adequate bending, shear, axial, and compressive load capacities. Many studies have shown that carbon fiber-reinforced composites are also suitable for preventing the growth of transverse cracks in bridge foundations.
Carbon and fiberglass fibers, due to their low thickness and light weight, offer appropriate flexibility, making them easy to apply to corners and edges. The arrangement of fibers in reinforcing bridge foundations is crucial, as these materials have different tensile and compressive strengths in various directions, requiring precise design based on the forces acting on the bridge.
When the fiber direction is perpendicular to the direction of the force, the strength of these fibers is minimized. Therefore, to reinforce rebar, the fiber layout must be properly designed.
Reinforcement with advanced FRP composite systems does not require heavy equipment and is suitable for operations at height. This method does not disrupt the normal operation of the bridge.
Farasath Zarfam, with its strong and experienced technical and engineering team specializing in the design of advanced FRP composite systems, can provide suitable services based on requested projects in this field.