A Comprehensive Review on the Suspension Bridge Rehabilitation: Conceptual Approach

This paper deals with the history of suspension bridge rehabilitation through case studies made and proposes the concept to strengthen the main cable without its replacement. Since modern-type suspension bridges appeared in 1850s, over 70 suspension bridges had been built all over the world by 1970s. Many of these suspension bridges confront degradation over the years. In order to assess the main deterioration of suspension bridges, historically core concepts enhancing the modern suspension bridges were categorized as key components of suspension bridges and their characteristics, and as a consequence, how the assessment should be made for the rehabilitation. Although major case studies for the rehabilitation showed to repair decks and suspenders, several cases were made to rehabilitate main cables which are the backbone of suspension bridges. A newly proposed method to increase the strength of main cables without their replacement is presented with demonstrating its effectiveness throughout the analysis. This paper aids in facilitating the health assessment and determining associated rehabilitation techniques for suspension bridges.