Strengthening Existing Continuous Non Composite Steel Girder Bridges Using Post Installed Shear Connectors
This study investigated the use of post installed shear connectors for strengthening existing non composite continuous steel girder bridges. The existing bridges considered in this study have strength deficiencies in both the positive and the negative moment regions. The type of post installed shear connector investigated in this study was an adhesive anchor, which is installed from underneath the bridge deck. The strengthening approach involves installing adhesive anchors to increase girder flexural capacity in positive moment regions, and allowing inelastic moment redistribution in negative moment regions. A variety of theoretical, computational, and experimental studies were completed as part of this investigation. The findings of this research indicate that strengthening non composite continuous steel girder bridges with post installed shear connectors and moment redistribution is a feasible and efficient method of extending the useful service life of a bridge. Increases of more than 60% in the load rating of bridges considered in this study were attained by strengthening to a composite ratio of only 30% Design recommendations are provided in this report.