Evaluation and rehabilitation of critical concrete infrastructure

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This research is aimed at the evaluation and rehabilitation of critical reinforced concrete structures. The brittle collapse of the de la Concorde Overpass has highlighted the fact that many older bridges are vulnerable. This research will study the shear response of thick slabs to determine the influence of shear stress concentrations, together with the "size effect" on the shear capacity. Research will be conducted on "disturbed" regions with complex flow of stresses to determine ways of evaluating these key regions in older bridges. Experimental and analytical studies will be carried out to investigate means of evaluating and rehabilitating older concrete bridges and buildings. The influence of typical detailing deficiencies will be studied and new retrofit techniques will be developed. A research program will investigate more sophisticated means of evaluating and strengthening existing foundation elements such as pile caps and footings. An additional experimental and analytical program will study means of preventing "progressive collapse" of slab structures.