Repair, strengthening and replacement

Maintenance of bridge structures has undergone rapid development over recent decades. New deterioration mechanisms have become evident as bridge stocks age, requiring new testing and remedial techniques. Bridges assets are of critical value to the economy, and demand maintenance with the minimum disruption to the flow of traffic. This chapter considers the techniques required for particular materials – concrete, metal and masonry. These include methods of repair and strengthening, with particular reference to those which have undergone rapid recent development, such as plate bonding.