MICROPILES APPLICATIONS FOR SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF HISTORICAL BRIDGES

Abstract

Masonry bridges are regarded as the oldest examples of engineered structures in the world. Therefore, the preservation of these structures is getting a great deal of attention in the structural engineering community. And as such, restoration, strengthening and reinforcement of historical masonry bridges have become a challenge for civil engineers. In general, and to most extent, engineers have relied on several traditional retrofitting techniques that could be implemented for historic bridges. However, traditional retrofitting techniques have been inadequate for improving seismic behavior and resistance of these structures. With current advancement in materials and construction techniques, new technologies that can be appealing to historical bridges are emerging. Among these techniques include underpinning using micropiles with the technique called “micropiling”. Today, micropiles are used for the structural and seismic retrofitting of bridges, mosques, churches and many other ancient cultural heritage and modern structures. This study mainly focuses on historical masonry bridges; and it consists of three major parts. The first part introduces seismic retrofitting using micropiles for historical bridges. The second part discusses advantages and disadvantages of micropiling compared to other underpinning methods, in terms of seismic performance. Finally, the third part presents examples of applications in different parts of the world

Keywords

• Historical bridges, Micropiles, Soil improvement, Seismic retrofitting

References

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