Articles

“Structural UHPFRC”: Recent Applications in Rehabilitation and Strengthening of Bridges in Switzerland

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Abstract

“Structural UHPFRC” stands for Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composite material which is complemented by reinforcing and prestressing steel to enhance the resistance and durability of structural elements. Structural application of impermeable, tensile strain hardening UHPFRC follows two fundamental concepts including: 1) Rehabilitation and strengthening of existing concrete bridges by adding a layer of structural UHPFRC, and 2) Construction of new bridges in Structural UHPFRC, often composed of precast elements. This paper presents several recent project realizations in bridge engineering in Switzerland using Structural UHPFRC both in the domain of improving existing bridges as well as the design of new bridges. The underlying design concepts and issues of dimensioning and detailing are explained, and experiences in casting UHPFRC both onsite and in the plant are highlighted. These applications show that "Structural UHPFRC" has made its proof as a novel building material and technology to enhance bridges and structures in general. UHPFRC also contributes in lowering the environmental impact of structures and thus improving sustainability.

Keywords: structural UHPFRC, bridges, rehabilitation, strengthening, applications, design of new bridges

How to Cite:

Brühwiler, E., (2023) ““Structural UHPFRC”: Recent Applications in Rehabilitation and Strengthening of Bridges in Switzerland”, International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 3(1): 21. doi: https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.16651

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