Tag Archives: bridges

Smart-bridge technology could lead to cheaper and safer infrastructure

Researchers at University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan have determined smart memory alloys are a safer and more cost-effective alternative to steel reinforced concrete bridges in earthquake-prone areas like the Lower Mainland in B.C. Memory alloys, which can be flexed without experiencing permanent damage, can maintain a bridge’s structural integrity and significantly reduce repair costs after a seismic event, finds the study.

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Will this concrete help build a better bridge?

When a reinforced concrete bridge deck is subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salts over a number of years, the ensuing deterioration drastically reduces the structure’s service life and results in costly maintenance or early replacement. In such severe environments, high-performance concrete (HPC) is often required because of its superior strength and low permeability. Unfortunately, HPC also has a tendency to crack prematurely if not properly cured.

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