SUREbridge proves that the capacity of existing concrete bridges can be improved by a factor of 2.5. This has been demonstrated by Sweden's Chalmers University in a full-scale test setup of the SUREbridge system. This innovative approach gives existing concrete bridges that would otherwise have had to be demolished and renewed a second life. Just under one hundred thousand bridges are involved in Europe alone. The ministries of infrastructure of more than ten EU countries are participating in the project. SUREbridge is one of nine selected European Infravation projects in which a large number of European road authorities are looking for robust infrastructure solutions.
Within the study, the SUREbridge system combines an InfraCore traffic deck from FiberCore Europe with an existing concrete bridge. The underside of the concrete beams is reinforced with prestressed carbon reinforcement, an invention of Chalmers University in Gothenburg. The InfraCore road surface, the concrete and the carbon reinforcement are shear connected. This was convincingly demonstrated during tests by Chalmers University. Moreover, the system has been shown to possess a high degree of ductility. The system is thus a complete hybrid. Thanks to this cooperation, the reinforced beam was a factor of 2.5 stronger than the concrete beam alone, which had been tested before. In addition to FiberCore Europe and Chalmers, the third project partner is the Italian engineering firm AICE. Together with the University of Pisa, this international concrete specialist developed a mathematical model to parametrically determine the feasible reinforcement.
Thanks to SUREbridge, the capacity of existing concrete bridges can be upgraded, and the bridge does not have to be demolished. This is faster, causes significantly less disruption and reduces environmental impact. In addition to strengthening vulnerable concrete bridges, SUREbridge can also be used for a functional upgrade, such as widening or integrating sidewalks and ramps. In modified form, the SUREbridge system can also be applied to steel bridges. In that case, the carbon reinforcement is unnecessary, making the application even simpler.
Now that the SUREbridge technology has been proven, the consortium is looking for a pilot project to apply SUREbridge in an actual project. To start, this could be a traffic bridge with a single span with multiple lanes. SUREbridge provides the know-how and guidance, and the project partners provide the project, engineering and execution.
Learn more about SUREbridge: www.surebridge.eu or visit the Department of Public Works' Innovation page