The most used life-line structure of the modern day is the bridges, which has been developed significantly, with the most recent introduction being of the curved bridges. They provide an aesthetic look and are also very convenient at various crossings and cross-over. However, curved bridges have been observed to have poor seismic response. Pounding between the adjacent segments, in-plane deck r...

A new method was devised for measuring the pH of a concrete surface by pHBOY-P2 with a piece of filter paper by extracting the pH value from concrete. This is a simple and inexpensive method that does not damage the concrete building, and is easy to apply on concrete samples for monitoring. By using the method mentioned above, a drastic decrease of the pH value of concrete bridges and buildings...

To establish a maximum safe length and design details for zero skew steel and concrete bridges with integral abutments, a survey of the highway departments of all 50 states was conducted. The findings of the survey include maximum lengths of integral abutment bridges being constructed, advantages and disadvantages of these bridges as perceived by the various states, and the extent of field obse...

This paper deals with the automated design and economic optimization of reinforced concrete frame bridges typically used in road construction. The optimization algorithms applied are (i) parallel genetic algorithms (PGA) and (ii) parallel memetic algorithms (PMA). The evaluation of solutions follows the Spanish Code for structural concrete. Stress resultants and envelopes of framed structures a...

This paper reports on nine relevant applications of FRP composites in concrete structures in the United States. Strengthening of concrete members with externally bonded FRP laminates or near surface mounted (NSM) bars has received remarkable attention. FRP materials have been used in small projects and some multi-million dollar projects for strengthening parking garages, multi-purpose conventio...

Displacement Coefficient Method (DCM) stipulated in the ASCE 41-06 standard is becoming the preferred method for seismic rehabilitation of buildings in many high-seismic-hazard countries. Applications of the method for non-building constructions such as bridges are beyond the scope of this standard. Thus its application to this kind of structure should be approached with care. Target displaceme...

This paper identifies assessment techniques for critical parameters relative to installation and performance of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials as a way to strengthen structurally deficient concrete bridges. Various Nondestructive Testing (NDT) techniques, representing viable solutions for identification and monitoring of such critical parameters on structural members strengthened with...