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Civil Engineering/concrete bridge repair

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Expert: - 6/7/2003


Question
there is 35 year bridge has a lot of defects during carbonation and overload.
should i replace the bearings , and what is the best way to repair it?
please if you could not answer me, lead me to the way of getting the answer.
thank you very much

Answer
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Hi Maha,

This is very difficult to advise on without inspecting the structure myself. However, here are some general guidelines:

1. The bearings would only be replaced if they have failed- i.e. they are cracked, or restrict movement, etc.
2. The carbonation problem can be dealt with by patchwork repair. One site that has some details is http://www.fosroc.com
3. However, if the carbonation has led to severe loss of rebar, then you will have to replace some rebar, either by external bonding with epoxy, or by other means.
4. If the overloading has caused severe cracking, then you may need to do some load testing, to see whether the bridge is still safe, and whether it recovers from live-load deflection.

I hope these general comments are of help!

Kind regards,

Arshad  

Civil Engineering

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Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

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