Increasing the live load-carrying capacity of structures is crucial for extending the life span of infrastructure, due to commonly available heavier moving live loads as compared to the originally designed live load. Utilizing a combination of advanced modeling techniques, instrumentation, monitoring, and testing provides an accurate assessment of the structural load capacity. This capacity can be further enhanced through strengthening with Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) to achieve the desired increase in load capacity and meet operational load demand. Along with enhancement of load capacity, FRPs provide the desired durability to extend the structure’s life span.
Dr. Seliem’s presentation at the American Association of Port Authorities, Engineering Facilities Seminar offers an overview of the strengthening technique along with examples of field applications where FRP’s have been successfully used for repair and strengthening of infrastructures.
