Strengthening double curved arch bridges by using extrados section augmentation method

Double curved arch bridges have played an important role in the history of bridge construction in China. The strengthening or retrofitting of this type of bridge has attracted a great deal of research attention in the Chinese bridge engineering community. In this paper, a novel strengthening method, i.e. the extrados section augmentation strengthening method (ESASM), has been reported. Firstly, the rationale behind this new method and the changes in internal forces after strengthening have been studied in details. A numerical optimization analysis was then performed to derive a strengthening design solution based on these results. Secondly, a trial use of this novel strengthening method in a double curved arch bridge has been reported. A numerical simulation was carried out to analyze the internal forces in the bridge both before and after it was strengthened. Results show that internal forces have been favourably redistributed after the bridge has been strengthened by using ESASM. Lastly, the adopted construction method and the strengthening effect for that project were described.

► An extrados section augmentation strengthening method (ESASM) has been reported.
► A rational strengthening length was identify through parametric analysis.
► The use of ESASM has been proven to be effective in strengthening a double curved arch bridge.