Strengthening and Monitoring of Structures
Overview
Bridge Design and Strengthening unit aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in the analysis, design, and strengthening of bridge structures. The course covers fundamental bridge types, structural forms, and construction methods, enabling students to select appropriate designs based on project requirements. Through structural modeling and load application, students develop the ability to analyze bridge decks and undertake preliminary designs of prestressed concrete and steel members. A key focus is on the application of strengthening solutions, including the use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) for structural enhancement.
Requisites
CVE30002 Design of Steel Structures
OR
Admission to cognate PG course
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe the common structural forms for bridges and select an appropriate structural form for a specific bridging task (K1,K3,K4,K5,K6,S1,S2,S3).
- Develop a structural analysis model for a beam and slab bridge and apply loading representative of a moving vehicle (K1,K2,K3,K4,K6,S3).
- Undertake preliminary design of selected bridge members in prestressed concrete and steel materials (K1,K2,K3,K4,K5,K6,S1,S2,S3).
- Understand the causes of structural deterioration and identify suitable strengthening techniques (K1, K3, S1, S2).
- Design externally bonded composite strengthening schemes for structural elements for flexure shear and axial loads (K1, K3, S1, S2, S3).
- Function individually to design a strengthening solution for a reinforced concrete girder considering different loading actions, constructability and structural safety. (K1, K3, S1, S2, S3).
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online Lecture |
3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| On-campus Class |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities Independent Learning |
8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Individual | 30-50% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Laboratory Practicals | Individual | 10% | 5,6 |
| Assignment | Individual | 40-60% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Content
Bridge Design
- Choice of bridge systems and construction methods
- Conceptual design
- Loading
- Sign conventions and torsion
- Modelling bridges
- Analyzing bridge decks
- Design for prestressed concrete members
Strengthening of Concrete Bridges
- Overview of the Infrastructure Crisis
- Damage and Deterioration Issues in Concrete and Steel Reinforcement
- Evaluation and Inspection
- Concrete Surface Repair Materials and Technique
- Conventional Strengthening & Repair
- TechniquesStrengthening & Repair using Advanced Composite Materials
- Case Studies
- Non destructive testing
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.