SPS - ein neues Verfahren zur Instandsetzung und Ertüchtigung von stählernen orthotropen Fahrbahnplatten

SPS – an innovative method for the repair and refurbishment of orthotropic deck-plates of steel-bridges

This contribution describes how the new SPS-Overlay technology has been applied in a pilot project for the refurbishment of orthotropic deckplates of road bridges in Germany.

The main reason for such a refurbishment of orthotropic deckplates that have been designed and executed according to modern design rules as in EN 1993-2 and that after 40 years of use have not yet exhibited any considerable fatigue damage is to make provisions for the current enhancement of traffic loads and traffic volume that could cause fatigue in the near future.

The stepwise procedure to study the experience made with the SPS-technology in the ship-building area first, then to apply it to the retrofitting of damaged deckplates of a temporary bridge system (D-Bridge) to gain experiences before it is used for retrofitting the deck of an old metro-bridge in Berlin and to enter into the refurbishment of a bridge in the highway (Schönwasserparkbrücke near Krefeld) is explained in detail.

Particular challenges for the use of the SPS-technology for a highway bridge were:

• applicability on site under climate conditions
• fast execution to reduce restraints to traffic
• applicability of the guss asphalt layer with 75–80 mm thickness with a temperature of 225 °C without damaging the PUR sandwich core.

The paper presents the technical developements including details of the scientific support, to justify the solution chosen toward the regulatory authorities. In conclusion the SPS-technology has proved to be an efficient refurbishment method that meets all requirements