Bridge Pier Reinforcement Using Nested UHPC Casing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reinforcing bridge piers, such as adding a reinforcement skin, require temporary weakening and propping of the structure, increasing costs and risks, and do not provide a permanent solution for enhancing load capacity or durability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving prefabricated column and transverse beam elements made of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete, which are assembled around the pier and cross-beam, filled with reinforcing material to form a casing that mechanically couples the elements, providing a permanent and durable reinforcement solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reinforcement skin is added by demolishing existing piers and pouring concrete, then the load capacity of the structure is enhanced, but the structure must be temporarily weakened and propped, increasing cost and duration
Solution Approach 1:
The new column elements are nested within the existing pier structure, with formwork elements positioned around the existing pier to define a cavity. The reinforcing material is then injected into this cavity, creating a nested composite structure where the new reinforcement is integrated within the existing pier without requiring external propping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The method utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic injection to deliver liquid or semi-liquid reinforcing material into the cavity defined by the formwork elements and existing pier. This allows the reinforcement to be introduced through existing openings without mechanical demolition or temporary structural support, resolving the contradiction between strength enhancement and device complexity.
2Strength
If existing piers are partially or fully demolished to add reinforcement, then the structural properties are improved, but the risk of structural failure increases during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork elements are installed around the existing pier before any demolition or reinforcement work begins. These formwork elements create a protective cavity and define the reinforcement zone in advance, allowing the reinforcement to be introduced through injection without compromising the existing structural integrity during the reinforcement process.
Solution Approach 2:
By using hydraulic or pneumatic injection to introduce the reinforcing material, the method avoids mechanical demolition that could compromise structural reliability. The liquid or semi-liquid material is injected through existing openings or small access points, maintaining structural integrity throughout the reinforcement process while still achieving improved structural properties.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If reinforcement bars are anchored and concrete is poured around piers, then the durability is enhanced, but the cost and duration of the operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic or pneumatic injection method allows the reinforcing material to be delivered continuously and rapidly into the defined cavity, eliminating the time-consuming processes of traditional concrete pouring. This injection technique reduces the duration of the reinforcement operation while maintaining the durability benefits of reinforced concrete structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The method extracts the reinforcing material delivery process from the traditional sequential operations of demolition, bar anchoring, and concrete pouring. By using injection technology, the reinforcement is introduced as a continuous material flow rather than through multiple discrete steps, significantly reducing the overall duration of the reinforcement operation while achieving the same durability enhancement.
4Strength
If a reinforcement skin is added around piers, then the load capacity is increased, but the complexity of the construction process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The formwork elements are nested around the existing pier, creating a simple cavity definition system that requires minimal construction complexity. The reinforcing material is then injected into this pre-defined space, eliminating the need for complex bar anchoring and concrete pouring operations. This nested approach simplifies the construction process while achieving the required load capacity enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of hydraulic or pneumatic injection simplifies the manufacturing and construction process by replacing complex mechanical operations with a streamlined material delivery system. The injection method allows the reinforcing material to be introduced through simple access points without requiring complex formwork, bar placement, or pouring equipment, thereby reducing construction process complexity while maintaining load capacity enhancement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A reinforcement apparatus for reinforcing a structure comprising at least one pier bearing on foundations, a cross-beam bearing on said pier and at least one structure element located above the cross-beam, the reinforcement apparatus comprising at least one column (20) destined to surround the pier at least partly, to be mechanically coupled to the pier and to bear on said foundations, and at least one transverse beam (22) fixed relative to the column and destined to be mechanically coupled to the cross-beam, and at least one load transfer element (36) arranged on an upper face of said at least one transverse beam (22) to take up at least part of the load of the structure element.