As global infrastructure ages and traffic demands intensify, the imperative to extend the service life and enhance the structural integrity of existing bridges has made Bridge Rehabilitation, Strengthening, and Repair using Advanced Materials (e.g., Fiber Reinforced Polymers - FRP) a critical and rapidly evolving field in civil engineering. Traditional repair methods often fall short in terms of durability, speed of application, or long-term performance, whereas advanced materials offer superior strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation, providing innovative and cost-effective solutions for addressing structural deficiencies, increasing load-carrying capacity, and restoring deteriorated bridge components. This comprehensive training course is designed to equip bridge engineers, maintenance professionals, and contractors with the cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills required to diagnose bridge deterioration, select appropriate advanced materials, design effective repair and strengthening schemes, and implement these solutions with precision to ensure the long-term safety and functionality of vital transportation assets. Without mastering Bridge Rehabilitation, Strengthening, and Repair using Advanced Materials, infrastructure managers risk escalating maintenance costs, premature bridge closures, and a failure to meet modern performance standards, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Bridge Engineers (Design, Inspection, Maintenance)
• Structural Engineers
• Civil Engineers involved in infrastructure repair
• Maintenance Managers for bridge networks
• Contractors specializing in bridge rehabilitation
• Material Suppliers for advanced construction materials
• Government Agency Personnel responsible for bridge assets
• Researchers and Academics in advanced materials and structural repair
• Postgraduate Students in civil/structural engineering
• Technical Reviewers and Approving Authorities

Objectives

• Understand the causes and mechanisms of bridge deterioration and damage.
• Learn about various inspection and assessment techniques for existing bridges.
• Acquire skills in diagnosing structural deficiencies and determining rehabilitation needs.
• Comprehend techniques for selecting appropriate advanced materials for repair and strengthening.
• Explore strategies for designing and implementing FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) systems for bridges.
• Understand the importance of surface preparation and bonding for advanced materials.
• Gain insights into strengthening techniques for concrete and steel bridge elements.
• Develop a practical understanding of repair methods for cracks, corrosion, and spalling.
• Master load rating and capacity assessment after rehabilitation.
• Acquire skills in quality control and assurance for advanced material applications.
• Learn to apply relevant design codes and guidelines for rehabilitation projects.
• Comprehend techniques for cost-benefit analysis of different repair strategies.
• Explore strategies for minimizing traffic disruption during rehabilitation works.
• Understand the importance of long-term performance monitoring of repaired bridges.
• Develop the ability to lead and manage complex bridge rehabilitation projects.

Course Content

Module 1: Bridge Deterioration Mechanisms and Assessment

• Common causes of bridge deterioration: corrosion, fatigue, alkali-aggregate reaction, freeze-thaw.
• Types of damage in concrete, steel, timber, and masonry bridges.
• Visual inspection techniques and condition rating systems.
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for damage detection (e.g., ultrasonic, radar, thermography).
• Destructive testing and material sampling for detailed assessment.

Module 2: Principles of Bridge Rehabilitation and Strengthening

• Objectives of rehabilitation: extending lifespan, increasing load capacity, restoring functionality.
• Overview of conventional repair methods (e.g., concrete patching, steel plate bonding).
• Introduction to advanced materials for rehabilitation: FRP, UHPC, advanced composites.
• Design philosophy for strengthening: increasing stiffness, strength, or ductility.
• Lifecycle considerations in rehabilitation planning.

Module 3: Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) for Bridge Applications

• Types of FRP composites: Carbon FRP (CFRP), Glass FRP (GFRP), Aramid FRP (AFRP).
• Material properties of FRP: strength, stiffness, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance.
• Manufacturing processes of FRP products (e.g., laminates, wraps, bars).
• Advantages and limitations of FRP in bridge repair and strengthening.
• Case studies of FRP application on bridges.

Module 4: Design of FRP Systems for Flexural Strengthening

• Principles of flexural strengthening using externally bonded FRP laminates/sheets.
• Design procedures for concrete beams and slabs in flexure.
• Anchorage details and bond considerations for FRP.
• Serviceability limit state checks (deflection, crack control).
• Design examples and practical considerations.

Module 5: Design of FRP Systems for Shear and Confinement Strengthening

• Principles of shear strengthening using externally bonded FRP wraps/strips.
• Design procedures for concrete beams and columns in shear.
• Confinement of concrete columns using FRP wraps for increased ductility and strength.
• Design for seismic retrofitting using FRP confinement.
• Practical application and detailing for shear and confinement.

Module 6: Surface Preparation and Installation of FRP Systems

• Importance of proper surface preparation for bonding.
• Methods for concrete surface preparation (e.g., grinding, sandblasting).
• Adhesives and resins for FRP bonding.
• Installation procedures for wet lay-up and pre-cured FRP systems.
• Quality control during FRP application.

Module 7: Repair of Concrete Deterioration

• Repair of concrete cracks: injection, routing and sealing.
• Repair of spalling and delamination: patching, shotcrete.
• Corrosion repair and prevention strategies for reinforced concrete.
• Cathodic protection and re-alkalization techniques.
• Material selection for concrete repair.

Module 8: Strengthening of Steel Bridge Elements

• Repair of fatigue cracks in steel girders.
• Strengthening of steel members using bolted or welded plates.
• External post-tensioning for steel bridges.
• Use of advanced welding techniques for repair.
• Strengthening of connections and critical details.

Module 9: Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for Repair and Strengthening

• Introduction to UHPC: properties, advantages, and applications.
• Use of UHPC for bridge deck overlays and connections.
• UHPC for patching and strengthening deteriorated concrete elements.
• Design considerations for UHPC repairs.
• Case studies of UHPC in bridge rehabilitation.

Module 10: Bridge Bearings and Expansion Joint Repair/Replacement

• Common issues with bridge bearings (deterioration, excessive movement).
• Repair and replacement of various bearing types.
• Problems with expansion joints (leakage, damage).
• Repair and replacement of expansion joint systems.
• Detailing for proper interface with rehabilitated elements.

Module 11: Load Rating and Capacity Assessment Post-Rehabilitation

• Understanding bridge load rating methodologies (e.g., AASHTO LRFR).
• Assessing the load-carrying capacity of rehabilitated bridges.
• Impact of strengthening measures on load rating.
• Documentation and reporting of revised load ratings.
• Permitting and regulatory compliance for increased capacity.

Module 12: Quality Assurance and Control for Rehabilitation Projects

• Importance of a comprehensive QA/QC plan.
• Material testing and verification for advanced materials.
• Inspection protocols during repair and strengthening.
• Performance testing of repaired elements.
• Documentation and record-keeping for long-term performance.

Module 13: Construction Management and Traffic Control in Rehabilitation

• Planning and scheduling for complex rehabilitation projects.
• Minimizing traffic disruption: phased construction, temporary closures, detours.
• Work zone safety for rehabilitation sites.
• Coordination with stakeholders and public communication.
• Accelerated construction techniques for rehabilitation.

Module 14: Long-Term Performance Monitoring of Rehabilitated Bridges

• Importance of post-rehabilitation monitoring.
• Application of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for repaired bridges.
• Monitoring performance of advanced materials (e.g., FRP strain monitoring).
• Data analysis for long-term durability assessment.
• Feedback loop for future rehabilitation projects.

Module 15: Case Studies, Best Practices, and Future Trends

• In-depth analysis of successful bridge rehabilitation projects using advanced materials.
• Review of best practices and lessons learned from various agencies.
• Emerging materials and technologies for bridge repair (e.g., self-healing concrete).
• Robotics and automation in rehabilitation.
• Research frontiers in bridge strengthening and repair.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.