State-of-the-practice of constructed bridges in Korea

Abstract

This paper presents the state-of-the-practice of constructed bridges in Korea, focusing on historical development, performance and recent achievements in rehabilitation technologies. The most commonly erected bridge types and trends over the last 100 years are identified. Dramatic changes occurred in the 1960s, when significant economic development in Korea began, evidenced by the replacement of traditional reinforced concrete T-girder bridges with prestressed concrete I-girder bridges. High-performance systems, such as preflex bridges, were introduced in the 1990s. The evolution of rehabilitation techniques indicates that engineers have sought more durable materials for more functional structural systems and have employed these to extend the longevity of constructed bridges. State-of-the-art strengthening techniques are discussed, with potential applications, and a case study is detailed. Suggestions are provided to advance bridge technologies.