Abstract

This talk will focus on a method of preventative maintenance for aged short-span railway bridges in Japan. It will begin with a look at the current situation and some typical examples of damage to old Japanese bridge structures. A strengthening method using rubber-latex mortar, GFRP plates, lightweight rapid hardening concrete and reinforcing bars will then be introduced. This method has been tested on two railway bridges, one in service for nearly a hundred years, the other for eighty-six years. Static loading, impact and field tests have been performed to confirm the effectiveness of the strengthening method. Numerical simulations have also been made for both laboratory and field tests. The talk will conclude with the use of the method to strengthen joints in railway bridges.