Mehran University of Engineering and Technology,

Jamshoro

SYNOPSIS
Investigation and Mitigation of Deficient Plate Girders in Existing
Steel Bridges in Pakistan”

Research Student
Shoban Ali
(23PhD-STE-001)

Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Aneel Kumar

Submitted to: Dr. Tanveer Memon

 Title: “Investigation and Mitigation of Deficient Plate Girders in Existing
Steel Bridges in Pakistan”

Introduction: Steel bridges are a vital component of the transportation infrastructure all over the
world including in Pakistan, providing safe and efficient transportation to millions of people
every day. The Pakistan Railways (PR), being one of the world’s biggest railway networks,
possess largest of steel ridges in Pakistan. Most of these steel bridges have plate-girders which
were constructed 100 years ago (WB Database, 2013). Due to the increasing age of existing
bridges, many of them are exhibiting signs of distress and deterioration, including deficient plate
girders. Deficiencies in the plate girders cause loss of strength and stiffens -thus can lead to
structural failure and potentially catastrophic consequences. Conventional methods of
strengthening and repair pose serious health and safety problems. The use of innovative
techniques and modern materials can overcome the issues related to conventional methods.

With the help of experimental testing and finite element modelling/ analyses, this research aims
to assess and investigate the deficient plate girders in existing steel bridges in Pakistan and
mitigate their deficiencies using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) to ensure the safety and
reliability of the transportation infrastructure. Some work has been done by researchers that has
resulted into the bond breakdown between the steel and FRP. There is therefore need to
investigate and mitigate such bond breakdown as well as the use of locally available FRP
composites in strengthening and repair of the plate-graders. It also aims to develop analytical
models using the available FE software in order to validate the experimental results and also
carry out the parametric studies. Finally, it intends to develop recommendations (and/or
guidelines) for repairing or replacing deficient plate girders in existing steel bridges in Pakistan
using FRP

Objectives:

1. To investigate the causes of deficient plate girders in existing steel bridges in Pakistan.

2. To develop a methodology for assessing the severity of deficient plate girders in existing
steel bridges in Pakistan.
 3. To evaluate the effectiveness of FRP-based mitigation techniques for deficient plate
girders in existing steel bridges in Pakistan.

4. To develop recommendations for repairing or replacing deficient plate girders in existing

steel bridges in Pakistan using FRP.

Research Methodology:

This research will involve both experimental and analytical investigations. The experimental
investigation will involve testing existing steel bridges with deficient plate girders in Pakistan to
determine the extent of the deficiencies and their effects on the overall structural integrity of the
bridge. Analytical investigations will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different
mitigation techniques, including strengthening, retrofitting, and replacement of deficient plate
girders. The results of the experimental and analytical investigations will be used to develop
recommendations (and/or possible guidelines) for repairing or replacing deficient plate girders in
existing steel bridges in Pakistan.

In addition, the research will also involve a comprehensive review of the existing design and
maintenance practices for steel bridges in Pakistan. This will help identify any deficiencies in the
current practices and develop recommendations for improvement. Flow chart of the research is
given below;

Data Developing
Literature Labotary
Colection and Testing Set-
Review Testing
Field Visits up

Design and Validation of Fig 1:

Parametric FE modelling
testing of test Tests and
Studies and Analyis
specimans Analyses Flow
chart
of the
Conclusion &
Recommendations

Research Methodology adopted.

The general description of the Flow chart is done below:

1. Literature review: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature on deficient plate

girders in steel bridges, particularly in Pakistan, to gain an understanding of the current
state of research on the topic.

2. Data collection and field visits: Conduct field testing on selected bridges to assess the
severity of the deficiencies and their effects on the overall structural integrity of the
bridge.

3. Developing testing setup: This refers to the process of creating an experimental setup or
apparatus that will be used to perform tests and gather data. The setup will be designed in
a way that ensures accurate and reliable results, and should take into account any
variables or factors that could affect the testing process.

4. Laboratory Testing: This involves performing experiments in a controlled laboratory

environment, where variables can be carefully monitored.

5. FE modeling and Analysis: Finite element modeling (FE modeling) is a computational

technique used to simulate complex physical systems and analyze their behavior under
different conditions. This involves breaking down the system into smaller elements and
solving mathematical equations to determine how they interact with each other.

6. Validation of tests and analysis: This involves comparing the results of experimental
tests and computational analysis with theoretical predictions or previous research to
ensure that they are accurate and reliable. This process will involve statistical analysis,
error estimation, and sensitivity analysis to identify any sources of uncertainty or bias in
the data.

7. Parametric studies: This involves systematically varying different parameters or inputs

in a simulation or experimental setup to investigate their effects on the outcome. This can
be used to identify optimal design configurations, or to investigate the sensitivity of a
system to different factors.

8. Design and testing of test specimens: This involves creating physical specimens or
prototypes that can be used to perform experimental tests or validation studies.
 9. Recommendation and Conclusion: Summarize the findings of the research and provide
recommendations for future research on the topic.

Expected outcomes:

The outcomes of this research will provide a better understanding of deficient plate girders in
existing steel bridges in Pakistan and help develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure the
safety and reliability of the transportation infrastructure. The research will also provide
recommendations (and/or possible guidelines) for improvements in the design and maintenance
practices for steel bridges in Pakistan. The outcomes of this research can be used by the
government and transportation authorities to improve the safety and reliability of the
transportation infrastructure in Pakistan.