On April, 20-22, 2023 the international scientific and practical conference of SibNII Bridges "Research, Design, Construction and Operation of Bridges: Issues and Solutions Throughout Life Cycle" took place in Siberian Transport University in Novosibirsk.
The event’s participants discussed the challenges and specifics of bridge design, construction and operation.
An expert of Artificial Structure Inspection and Design Division of FAI ROSDORNII’s Branch Office in Siberia, Oleg Krytsin, the research on the impact of additional pavement layers on the bearing capacity of reinforced concrete framework. A scientific study was implemented to reveal if the carrying capacity of bridges depends on the pavement thickness.
Excessive pavement thickness is a defect that reduces significantly the carrying capacity of bridges. For instance, with a pavement thickness of 320 mm, a bridge with a length of 12 m does not meet the requirements of regulating documents. In addition, if pavement thickness is insufficient, the carrying capacity of a structure is also reduced. It should be noted that the pavement thickness on all structures is an individual feature and requires a study of their bearing capacity in certain areas.
Oleg Krytsin emphasized, "Due to the large number of reinforced concrete structures at the territory of the Russian Federation built in 1960-1970s, it is necessary to pay attention to the condition and design of the bridge deck pavement and avoid redundant layers. Otherwise, it should be replaced to the calculated thickness that does not reduce the carrying capacity of a structure".