Use of Heat Straightening Techniques for Repair of Damaged Steel Structural Elements in Bridges. Phase 1. Interim Report

摘要

One of the most common forms of damage to the superstructure of steel bridges results from vehicle impact. Member replacement is an expensive repair alternative. Thus, a more economical scheme is needed. Heat straightening offers the potential for quick and effective repairs for bent steel members. The process (which has been used successfully) consists of heating the bent members at appropriate locations such that during the cooling process, the unequal shrinkage will induce thermal stresses which straighten the member. The objective of this research project are divided into 3 phases: Phase 1: Analytical and Experimental Evaluation of Heat Straightening; Phase 2 and 3: Field evaluation of Heat Straightening Techniques; and Phase 4: Documentation and Training Sessions. This report covers the information obtained during the first phase of this project.