ABSTRACT
Integral abutment bridges [IAB] represent a structural alternative solution better than conventional solutions for bridges with clear length less than 60 meters. The benefits of this typology, compared to simply supported bridges (“conventional bridge” is used in this paper) are: reduction of inspection and maintenance due to the absence of expansion joints and bearings; reduction of risk of failure under seismic loads and an improvement in terms of flood water management. The aim of this work is to evaluate the benefits of retrofit on an existing common bridge, converting it into an integral abutment bridge. Due to this procedure, an increase of sustainability of the bridge will be reached. Some evaluations, about previous works, in the matter of assess of sustainability in civil constructions are used, to compare the advantages of retrofit on a simply supported bridge, changing it into an integral abutment bridge. A practical example is provided.
