Modeling and evaluation of the economic efficiency of polymer composite materials in bridge deck repair

This article examines the prospects of using polymer composite materials (PCMs) for bridge deck reconstruction. Irkutsk city contains a number of bridges characterized by reduced load-carrying capacity and insufficient durability, resulting from damage to the waterproofing layers of the bridge deck and the consequent deterioration of the load-carrying elements. Bridges with steel-reinforced concrete superstructures serve as examples of such structures. Employing polymer composite materials in the rehabilitation of superstructures, specifically as load-bearing roadway components, enhances their load-carrying capacity; this approach eliminates the necessity of a separate waterproofing layer, thereby reducing both the initial cost of the deck and expenses for its maintenance and repairs. The results of the work can also be applied to other urban bridges, including new ones.

The article analyzes the key advantages of polymer composite materials, as well as the primary limitations on their application. It also provides data demonstrating the reduction in operating costs for the maintenance of bridges utilizing polymer composite materials compared to reinforced concrete. For instance, the payback period for 1 square meter of composite roadway slab is approximately 35 years, which is roughly equivalent to 1.5 standard periods of waterproofing major repairs.

Using the MIDAS Civil 2022 software package, a finite element model of the overpass superstructure with a composite roadway slab was developed. Calculations confirmed the feasibility of the integrated behavior of the composite slab and steel beams; the material of the slab and steel beams meets the requirements of regulatory standards.

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