Improvement of the load capacity of the road overpass as a result of repairs after breakage caused by vehicle impacts

Abstract

Damages of spans of the overpass caused by impact of underpassing vehicles are relatively frequent. Objects that use prefabricated load-bearing elements that are not designed for such impacts are particularly exposed. After impact, such structural elements suffer extensive damage that must be repaired. Taking advantages of this recovery actions it is worth to perform strengthening that will protect object against possible future impacts. In this study the influence of the structural strengthening of the damaged overpass on its strength parameters is investigated. For this purpose the advanced computational model was created. The numerical model includes the response of the reinforcement and prestressing tendons. This model enables precise description of damage caused due to the vehicle‘s impact and further analysis of re-impact of the strengthened structure.