Bent up bars: assessment and implementation of outdated reinforcement configurations in existing concrete structures

Bent up bars were prescribed as shear reinforcement in the first half of the twentieth century, stirrups after the 1960’s. In current Eurocode, bent up bars can be applied again, but restrictions with respect to the maximum shear strength should be followed. Goal of this report is to provide background for this shear strength restriction and...

Stop Criteria for Flexure for Proof Load Testing of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Existing bridges with large uncertainties can be assessed with a proof load test. In a proof load test, a load representative of the factored live load is applied to the bridge at the critical position. If the bridge can carry this load without distress, the proof load test shows experimentally that the bridge fulfills the requirements of the...

Improvements of a Nonlinear Analysis Guideline for the Re-examination of Existing Urban Concrete Structures

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment is concerned with the safety of existing infrastructure and expected re-analysis of a large number of bridges and viaducts. Nonlinear finite element analysis can provide a tool to assess safety; a more realistic estimation of the existing safety can be obtained. <br/>Dutch Guidelines,...

Extended Strip Model for slabs subjected to load combinations

The loads that are used for the assessment of existing reinforced concrete slab bridges are the self-weight, superimposed loads, and distributed and concentrated live loads. As such, the shear capacity of reinforced concrete slabs under a combination of distributed and concentrated live loads is a topic of practical relevance. For slabs...

Ruytenschildt Bridge: Field and laboratory testing

A large number of existing reinforced concrete solid slab bridges in the Netherlands are found to be insufficient for shear upon assessment. However, research has shown additional sources of capacity in slab bridges, increasing their total capacity. Previous testing was limited to half-scale slab specimens cast in the laboratory. To study the...