Title: The West Gate Bridge: Strengthening of a 20th Century Bridge for 21st Century Loading

Author(s): G. Williams, R. Al-Mahaidi and R. Kalfat

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 275

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-18

Keywords: West Gate Bridge, CFRP, anchorage, concrete box girder, quality control, application, strengthening.

DOI: 10.14359/51682482

Date: 3/1/2011

Abstract:
Retrofitting of existing concrete structures and civil infrastructure has become necessary due to environmental degradation, changes in usage and heavier loading conditions. The use of advanced carbon fiber composite materials (CFRP) as externally bonded reinforcement has found wide application in recent years and has proven to be an effective method of improving the structural performance of existing structures. A good example of this is the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia for which the following case study is presented. Key innovations in CFRP technology developed specifically for this project have been described in the areas of design and testing of CFRP anchorage technology, involving the utilization of unidirectional and bidirectional fabrics together with mechanical substrate strengthening. These have all resulted in increases in material utilizations and enabled successful transfer of combined shear and torsional forces. Key aspects of the detailing, application, quality control and monitoring program adopted in the project are also presented along with the key aspects which resulted in the successful execution of this world class project.