This work sought to diagnose and propose solutions for the pathological phenomena occurring on the bridge "Ponte da Barra" (a metallic bridge that was restored and reinforced for use by the Tourist-Culture Railroad between Ouro Preto and Mariana/MG). To obtain the bridge profile, a visual inspection and photographic registers were performed to evaluate existing pathologies. Numerical modeling was also performed, using finite elements (bar elements with six degrees of freedom per node), aiming to analyze the bridge's structural behavior before and after reinforcement. This permitted evaluation of the bridge's stability as well as the efficiency of the structural reinforcement proposed. The numerical analysis proved feasible when parameters measured in situ, such as geometry, mechanical properties and pathological factors were implemented. The laboratory studies, such as: chemical characterization, stress tests, metalographic analysis, and corrosion, were performed using steel samples from the bridge's structural elements. The conclusion reached was that the Rigid Tension Curve System used for structural reinforcement systematically diminished the overall stability of the bridge, introducing a load increase on the most critical structural elements.
Steel bridges; inspection; evaluation
