Bridge "examineering" or how monitoring and UHPFRC improve the performance of structures

Examination engineering (short: "Examineering") of existing bridges comprises accurate determination of structural behavior and targeted use of advanced materials for improvement of structural behavior with the ultimate goal of limiting construction intervention to a strict minimum while extending the service life and respecting life cycle costs. A novel approach is suggested for structural and fatigue safety verification of bridges based on the direct determination of traffic action effects in the structure by the use of data from long term monitoring. Monitored data combined with detailed structural analysis allow for accurate determination of relevant stresses in bridge structural elements reducing thus uncertainty in traffic action effects. If interventions are necessary, their objective must be to improve the structure. An original concept is presented for the durable rehabilitation and strengthening of concrete bridges. The main idea is to use Ultra-High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) to strengthen those zones that are exposed to severe environmental influences and high mechanical loading. This concept combines efficiently protection and resistance properties of UHPFRC and significantly improves the structural performance of the rehabilitated bridge.