Introduction to Rehabilitation of Bridges

Abstract

Many countries are giving increasing importance to rehabilitating structures, because replacing them is wasteful. There are few standardized methods and procedures to evaluate and rehabilitate an existing structure, however. Peru decided to use the manual load and resistance factor rating (LRFR), because Peruvian bridge structural designs have long used AASHTO specifications. In Peru, the LRFR manual is being applied cautiously in the evaluation of existing bridges. An application of the new standards for the Ochape Bridge located in the northeast of the country is illustrated. This information includes monitoring, reinforcement, and retrofit process control through the final stage. Peruvian engineers should be encouraged to share experiences in the assessment, rehabilitation, and reinforcement of existing bridges and thus enable Peru to refine and apply the LRFR manual according to local conditions.