The precast concrete in the old bridges rehabilitation. Decks and archs

Abstract

The bridges rehabilitation adapts the old structures to the news functional needs. In cases of the old steelwork or reinforced concretework decks, the sustitution is necessary. The use of precast concrete elements permits: to reduce the deck weight increment, using high-strength concrete. To shorten the rehabilitation time. To fit the erection process in the useful parts of the old structure. To resolve with precission and strict geometry the bearing and connection details. As an example, the rehabilitation of a 1930s bridge with four spans of 32m built according to the Official Models of Arch Bridges by Mr. Jose Ribera is described. The precast technology allows to adapt many old bridges to the news traffic and security needs.