Strengthening Bridges with Postinstalled Coiled Spring Pin Shear Connectors: State-of-the-Art Review

Abstract

Many existing bridge structures experience much more significant loads and load cycles than were anticipated when the bridges were originally designed. An effective way to increase the load capacity and fatigue resistance of bridge structures with steel girders and a noncomposite concrete deck is to retrofit the structure with shear connectors to create a composite girder–deck structure. This article presents a state-of-the-art study of postinstalled shear connectors in general and coiled spring connectors in particular. The strengthening method is described, together with experiences from real bridge strengthening projects and a study of load capacity and structural behavior.