Strengthening a damaged steel girder bridge by the replacement repair welding

Abstract

In recent years, the replacement repair welding has been suggested as a repair method for damaged steel bridges. The distinguished feature of the method is that it can be carried out without incurring traffic dislocation. However, the method has not ever been attempted because of its lack of certainty for safety, i.e., repair method by welding inevitably involves cutting and welding processes, and the safety during these processes has not been established yet. This paper describes the strengthening of a damaged steel girder bridge through the replacement repair welding. Field load test was conducted both during and after the replacement repair welding, and the response of the bridge to test vehicle loading was recorded. Results of the field test are reported, and the validity of the replacement repair welding during in-service loading is identified.