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University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences , Vienna , Austria
The sustainable rehabilitation of existing reinforced concrete railway bridges is gaining importance as transportation infrastructure approaches the end of its original design life. Reusing existing concrete substructures instead of complete replacement offers substantial environmental and economic benefits but requires robust assessment and targeted strengthening. This contribution presents a performance-based framework for extending the service life of reinforced concrete bridge substructures to 210 years. The framework integrates condition assessment, strengthening of existing piers and foundations, advanced numerical verification, and comprehensive quality management throughout design and construction. The methodology is demonstrated through the Jauntal Bridge in Austria, where approximately 60-year-old reinforced concrete substructures were reused for a new composite steel-concrete railway bridge carrying high-speed traffic. Innovative bearing and damping systems reduce additional forces on the existing structure while ensuring adequate structural performance. The framework provides a practical basis for sustainable rehabilitation, life-cycle extension, and quality-assured reuse of existing bridge infrastructure.
composite steel-concrete bridges, bridge rehabilitation, service life extension, structural strengthening, performance-based assessment, sustainable infrastructure
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