Steel bridges comprise more than 34% of the total number of
bridges in the United States and were among the most recom-
mended group for improvement based on the NBI report. Many of
these bridges need to be repaired due to permanent damage to
critically stressed locations of the tension members. These dam-
ages were caused by direct physical impact, corrosion, or growth
of small cracks under fatigue loading ~gradual loss of the cross
section !. Considering the repair and retrofit option before decid-
ing to replace a bridge is the rational approach. Rehabilitation and
repair in most cases is far less costly than replacement. In addi-
tion, this usually takes less time, shortening service interruption
periods. Because there are limited resources available to mitigate
the problems associated with substandard bridges, the need for
adopting cost-effective techniques and new materials is apparent.