Economic development directly depends on the creation of a network of roads of the highest category. Major road construction requires large capital investments and less funds are allocated for the operation of existing roads and infrastructure. Instead of replacing bridge structures, it is necessary to use their reconstruction. The article discusses the problem of reconstruction of bridge structures, namely the restoration of carrying capacity, which has decreased during many years of operation. The relevance of the study, its goals and objectives are noted. A classification of reinforcement structures according to various criteria is proposed. The types of bridge reinforcements often used in practice, their advantages and disadvantages, are analyzed. The presented material is illustrated with photographs of objects. Successful reconstruction directly depends on the qualifications of designers and contractors, since with insufficient reinforcement, the span continues to work and is overloaded and gradually collapses. A modern method of reinforcement based on the use of carbon composite is presented. Significant disadvantages of this method for strengthening bridges and its modification using a tensioning device to secure and tension the carbon lamellas have been noted. The use of a tensioning device allows the superstructure to be partially unloaded from permanent and temporary loads. The main conclusions are presented.
Keywords: bridge, strengthening, reconstruction, truss, carbon composite, lamella, load-carrying capacity, load-bearing capacity, tension