Assessment of Innovative Repair Methods for Corroded Steel Girder Bridges Using the House of Quality Matrix

Abstract

Across the U.S.A., steel girder bridges experience significant deterioration caused by corrosion, and the current repair methods for corroded steel girders require considerable time and cost. Corrosion is typically found at end-span locations above girder supports at abutments and piers caused by deicers and water leaking from the deck joints. Therefore, there is a need for effective, rapid, and robust repair strategies that can be implemented by bridge maintenance personnel. This paper presents five innovative repair methods for rehabilitating corroded steel girder bridges. The five innovative repair methods were evaluated to select two repair procedures that can be implemented by the local Department of Transportation (DOT) in Indiana. During the evaluation process, typical and critical requirements associated with repair methods for corrosion-damaged steel girders were considered, including robustness, reduction of implementation cost, and time. Furthermore, feedback from the local DOT in Indiana was collected to identify any additional requirements. The evaluation was completed by choosing two innovative repair methods through a selection process called the house of quality matrix, which is a commonly used tool in the consumer product industry. After completing the evaluation, two repair methods, “sandwich panel” and “web strengthening with diagonally oriented angles,” were selected.