A Proposed Retrofit for Bridges Subjected to Wave Forces

Damage due to recent hurricanes along the Gulf Coast of Mexico publicized the need for research of engineering practices in coastal areas. Specifically, many bridges near the coast were not designed for storm surge and wind induced wave loads. Many of these damaged bridges are being rebuilt higher with correspondingly higher costs. The following proposal concerns using existing seismic retrofitting techniques for simply supported bridges as a solution to this problem. The proposed connection design provides suggestions for retrofitting existing structures and guidance for designers on future construction.