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Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2025) | Viewed by 13792

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Munzer Hassan

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Guest Editor

Department of Construction Engineering, École de Technologie Supérieure, University of Quebec, Quebec, QC, Canada
Interests: accelerated bridge construction; bridge design; bridge rehabilitation; structures strengthening using FRP materials; soil–structure interaction; deep foundations; FE modeling

Prof. Dr. Khaled Sennah

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Guest Editor

Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
Interests: structural engineering, bridge infrastructure design, evaluation, rehabilitation, and strengthening, applications of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) in bridges and structures; acceleration bridge construction using prefabricated bridge elements and connection technology; high-performance concrete and steel applications for sustainable bridges, integral abutment bridges

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bridges are critical elements of transportation networks, which, in turn, play a crucial role in the development of communities, cities and nations. Throughout human history, the design and construction of bridges represented the level of technological development of countries and have been part of their pride. With the Industrial Revolution and especially after the Second World War, the construction of bridges experienced a blatant boom in all industrial countries. These bridges, built 50 to 75 years ago, have reached their useful lifespan and must be reinforced, rehabilitated and sometimes monitored in real-time while awaiting replacement. Furthermore, the rehabilitation or reconstruction of bridges comes in the context of climate change and new, more restrictive seismic requirements. To meet the aforementioned needs and properly design and build a new generation of bridges, researchers worldwide are working hard at developing innovative technologies and materials that make it possible to have high-performance and durable bridges with full respect for the environment.

This Special Issue calls on researchers and practicing engineers to propose genuine articles covering the different aspects of recent advances and future perspectives in the design, rehabilitation and construction of bridges of the future. Case studies and reviews of innovative practices are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Munzer Hassan
Prof. Dr. Khaled Sennah
Guest Editors

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Keywords

bridge design
construction
rehabilitation
retrofit
innovative materials
modeling
seismic isolation
new technologies
climate change

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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30 pages, 9452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Girder Flaring on Load Effect in Girders of Composite Steel Bridges

by Faress Hraib and Sami W. Tabsh

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4674; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094674 - 23 Apr 2025

Viewed by 68

Abstract

A flared or splayed girder bridge is a structure made up of a concrete slab on girders with linearly varying spacing along the length. For such an irregular bridge, the girder distribution factors in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications are not applicable. In lieu of using a refined method of analysis, the study at hand proposes a simple approach for computing the dead and live load effect in the girders. To do so, fifteen composite steel girder bridges are analyzed by the finite element method to determine the influence of the girder flaring angle, girder spacing, number of girders, deck slab thickness, span length, girder stiffness, and presence of cross-bracing on the load distribution within the bridge. This study showed that the tributary width concept is a reliable approach for determining the dead load effect on the splayed girders, especially for the case of shored construction. The girder distribution factors for flexure in the AASHTO specifications can be reasonably utilized for such irregular bridges if the girder spacing at the location of each truck axle is considered, leading to a maximum of 14% difference on the conservative side between the AASHTO approach and the finite element analysis. On the other hand, the lever rule can provide a good estimate of the live load distribution among the splayed girders when subjected to shear, as the maximum safe deviation from the finite element outcome in this situation is less than 10%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications)

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27 pages, 6152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neural Network-Based Prediction of Amplification Factors for Nonlinear Soil Behaviour: Insights into Site Proxies

by Ahmed Boudghene Stambouli and Lotfi Guizani

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3618; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073618 - 26 Mar 2025

Viewed by 196

Abstract

The identification of the most pertinent site parameters to classify soils in terms of their amplification of seismic ground motions is still of prime interest to earthquake engineering and codes. This study investigates many options for improving soil classifications in order to reduce the deviation between “exact” predictions using wave propagation and the method used in seismic codes based on amplification (site) factors. To this end, an exhaustive parametric study is carried out to obtain nonlinear responses of sets of 324 clay and sand columns and to constitute the database for neuronal network methods used to predict the regression equations of the amplification factors in terms of seismic and site parameters. A wide variety of parameters and their combinations are considered in the study, namely, soil depth, shear wave velocity, the stiffness of the underlaying bedrock, and the intensity and frequency content of the seismic excitation. A database of AFs for 324 nonlinear soil profiles of sand and clay under multiple records with different intensities and frequency contents is obtained by wave propagation, where soil nonlinearity is accounted for through the equivalent linear model and an iterative procedure. Then, a Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) is used on the obtained database to determine the most significant parameters affecting the AFs. A second neural network, the Radial Basis Function (RBF) network, is used to develop simple and practical prediction equations. Both the whole period range and specific short-, mid-, and long-period ranges associated with the AFs, F_a, F_v, and F_l, respectively, are considered. The results indicate that the amplification factor of an arbitrary soil profile can be satisfactorily approximated with a limited number of sites and the seismic record parameters (two to six). The best parameter pair is (PGA; resonance frequency, f₀), which leads to a standard deviation reduction of at least 65%. For improved performance, we propose the practical triplet

({P G A; V}_{s 30}; f_{0})

with V_s₃₀ being the average shear wave velocity within the upper 30 m of soil below the foundation. Most other relevant results include the fact that the AFs for long periods (F_l) can be significantly higher than those for short or mid periods for soft soils. Finally, it is recommended to further refine this study by including additional soil parameters such as spatial configuration and by adopting more refined soil models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications)

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20 pages, 8624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction Control Technology and Monitoring Analysis of Walking Incremental Launching Construction of Small-Curvature Steel Box Girder Bridges Across Expressways

by Hai Huang, Xiaomin Xue, Haitao Ma, Zhijun Zhou, Jianbo Dou, Heng Yang, Erwei Guo and Jianjun Ma

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15020585 - 9 Jan 2025

Viewed by 688

Abstract

As urban areas keep growing, there are higher requirements for the carrying capacity of traffic operations, and there are more and more curve incremental launching projects with complex construction conditions. This paper builds upon the walking incremental launching project of a small-curvature steel box girder in Xuchang City and has developed a detailed construction method and monitoring technology. Due to the bridge’s longitudinal gradient being designed as a two-way slope and falling under the category of a small-radius steel box girder, the front end of the main beam exhibits significant lateral deviation, and linear control is difficult. It is necessary to carry out stress and displacement monitoring of the whole process of construction of the curved steel box girder and the guide girder to guide the construction process. The stress conditions of the incremental launching pier and the settlement of the concrete substructure are also studied, and we analyze the stress and displacement characteristics. Firstly, the finite element tool MIDAS Civil is adopted to build a model for the construction. The five most unfavorable working conditions are selected from the entire incremental launch process to analyze the internal force and displacement state of the steel box girder bridge, which is and then compared with the site monitoring value. It is demonstrated by the outcomes that the internal force and deflection of the steel box girder and the guide girder are within the safe construction range, which ensures the security of the incremental launching construction. In the maximum cantilever condition, the guide girder experiences significant stress, but the maximum value is not observed during the maximum cantilever condition of the guide girder. Therefore, whole-process monitoring should be carried during construction to maintain safety measures and quality management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications)

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18 pages, 5022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Design and Ductility Evaluation of Thin-Walled Stiffened Steel Square Box Columns

by Mwaura Njiru and Iraj H. P. Mamaghani

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8554; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188554 - 23 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1037

Abstract

This paper investigates the seismic performance of thin-walled stiffened steel square box columns, modeling bridge piers subjected to unidirectional cyclic lateral loading with a constant axial load, focusing on local, global, and local-global interactive buckling phenomena. Initially, the finite element model was validated against existing experimental results. The study further explored the degradation in strength and ductility of both thin-walled and compact columns under cyclic loading. Thin-walled, stiffened steel square box columns exhibited buckling near the base, forming a half-sine wave shape. The research also addresses discrepancies from different material models used to analyze steel tubular bridge piers. Analysis using a modified two-surface plasticity model (2SM) yielded results closer to experimental data than a multi-linear kinematic hardening model, particularly for compact sections. The 2SM, which accounts for cycling within the yield plateau and strain hardening regime, demonstrated enhanced accuracy over the multi-linear kinematic hardening model. Additionally, a parametric study was conducted to assess the impact of key design parameters—such as width-to-thickness ratio (R_f), column slenderness ratio (λ), and magnitude of axial load (P/P_y)—on the performance of thin-walled stiffened steel square box columns. Design equations were then developed to predict the strength and ductility of bridge piers. These equations closely matched experimental results, achieving an accuracy of 95% for ultimate strength and 97% for ductility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications)

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23 pages, 5593 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Design Optimization of Cable-Stayed Bridges: A Two-Layer Framework with Surrogate-Model-Assisted Prediction of Optimum Cable Forces

by Yuan Ma, Chaolin Song, Zhipeng Wang, Zuqian Jiang, Bin Sun and Rucheng Xiao

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14052007 - 28 Feb 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2005

Abstract

Cable-stayed bridges have commonly been built for crossing large-span obstacles, such as rivers, valleys, and existing structures. Obtaining an optimum design for a cable-stayed bridge is challenging, due to the large number of design variables and design constraints that are typically nonlinear and usually conflict with each other. Therefore, it is a reasonable alternative to turn the large and complex optimization problem into two sub-problems, i.e., optimizing the internal force distribution by adjusting the cable prestressing forces, and optimizing the other sizing or geometrical parameters. However, conventional methods are lacking in efficiency when dealing with the problem of optimization of cable forces in the first sub-problem, under the circumstance that iteration between the two sub-problems is required. To address this, this paper presents a surrogate-model-assisted method to construct a cable forces predictor ahead of the structural optimization process, so that cable forces can be effectively predicted rather than optimized in each iterative round. Additionally, B-spline interpolation curve is adopted for variable condensation when sampling for the surrogate model. Finally, the structure optimization in the second sub-problem is performed by leveraging an optimization program based on particle swarm optimization method. The performance of the proposed framework is tested with a practical engineering application. Results show that the proposed method showcases good efficiency and accuracy. The theoretical raw material consumption of the towers and the cables is 32% lower than the original design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications)

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Review

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17 pages, 2286 KiB

Open AccessReview

3D-Printed Concrete Bridges: Material, Design, Construction, and Reinforcement

by Zahra Sadat Miri, Hassan Baaj and Maria Anna Polak

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3054; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063054 - 12 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1412

Abstract

3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) technology is rapidly gaining popularity in the construction industry, particularly for transportation infrastructure such as bridges. Unlike traditional construction methods, this innovative approach eliminates the need for formwork and enhances both economic efficiency and sustainability by lowering resource consumption and waste generation associated with formwork. This paper examines current research on 3D-printed concrete bridges, highlighting key areas such as concrete mixtures, design processes, construction techniques, and reinforcement strategies. It delves into computational methods like topology optimization and iterative “design by testing” approaches, which are crucial for developing structurally efficient and architecturally innovative bridges. Additionally, it reviews specific admixtures or additives within the concrete mix, assessing how they improve essential properties of printable concrete, including extrudability, buildability, and interlayer bonding. Moreover, it shows that the primary construction approach for 3DCP bridges involves prefabrication and on-site assembly, with robotic arm printers leading to scalability and precision. Reinforcement continues to be challenging, with the most commonly used strategies being post-tensioning, hybrid techniques, and fiber reinforcement. This paper offers insights into the advancements and challenges in 3D-printed concrete bridge construction, providing valuable guidance for future research and development in this field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications)

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31 pages, 3159 KiB

Open AccessReview

Transition Effects in Bridge Structures and Their Possible Reduction Using Recycled Materials

by Mariusz Spyrowski, Krzysztof Adam Ostrowski and Kazimierz Furtak

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(23), 11305; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311305 - 4 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1856

Abstract

This article serves as a review of the current challenges in bridge engineering, specifically addressing the transition effect and the utilization of recycled materials. It aims to identify research gaps and propose innovative approaches, paving the way for future experimental studies. As a review article, the authors critically analyze the existing literature on the transition effects in bridge construction, their causes, and their negative impacts. Integral bridges are discussed as a solution designed to work in conjunction with road or rail embankments to transfer loads, minimizing maintenance and construction costs while increasing durability. Particular attention is given to the potential use of modified plastic composites as an alternative material in integral bridge structures. This concept not only addresses the issue of plastic waste but also promotes the long-term use of recycled materials, a key consideration given recycling limitations. This article highlights the importance of the connection between the embankment and the abutment and provides examples of polymer applications in bridge engineering. By outlining the state of the art, this review identifies future development paths in this niche, but promising, field. Almost 240 literature items were analyzed in detail, and works containing 475 different key words contained in about 3500 individual works were used for scientometric analysis. The results of the analysis clearly indicate the novelty of the presented subject matter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications)

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20 pages, 6932 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Seismic Behavior of Rectangular Concrete-Encased Steel Bridge Piers: A Review

by Mohammadreza Moradian and Munzer Hassan

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6627; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156627 - 29 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1244

Abstract

This paper proposes a review of the previous research work and the representative publications regarding the seismic behavior of the concrete-encased steel (CES) columns. Concrete-encased steel sections are composed of steel sections encased in reinforced concrete members. The research work recently showed increased attention to this type of column due to its advantages compared to conventional reinforced concrete columns. Firstly, the analytical studies of the behavior of the CES columns under axial loads, including comparative studies between different research works, are presented. Then, the behavior of the CES columns under combined axial and flexural loads is also highlighted. An overview of the analytical confinement material models is addressed. In addition, the discussion and summary of the seismic behavior of the CES columns and the important parameters affecting the seismic behavior of these types of columns are included. Although important progress has been made by the previous studies in the CES columns under the axial load and the combination of axial and seismic loads, they fundamentally focused on the building columns, and little attention was paid to the impact of lateral reinforcement and their configuration in bridge piers. Due to the lack of studies on the parameters affecting the seismic behavior of the bridges, more studies should still be made to better understand the behavior of the CES bridge piers. This paper provides a reference for the research and engineering practice of concrete-encased steel bridge piers. It also concludes with suggestions for future studies to integrate the seismic requirement of the CES bridge piers in Canada. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications)

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20 pages, 1214 KiB

Open AccessReview

Retrofitting of Steel Structures with CFRP: Literature Review and Research Needs

by Mohamadreza Delzendeh Moghadam, Abbas Fathi and Omar Chaallal

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5958; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135958 - 8 Jul 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4014

Abstract

The application of the externally bonded (EB) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) technique for retrofitting steel elements offers significant advantages over the conventional method. The high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance of CFRP materials have made them a viable alternative for retrofitting steel structures. This paper covers a wide range of aspects discussed in the research investigations to date on CFRP bonded steel elements and provides a critical review of the topic under both static and fatigue loading conditions. In the end, research needs and recommendations are presented in this respect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bridge Design and Construction: Technologies and Applications)

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