ISSUES RELATED WITH THE USE OF REINFORCED POLYMERS IN THE REPARATION/RESTORATION OF AN HISTORICAL CAST IRON BRIDGE. By Giorgio ZAFFARONI (*) , Laura CERIOLO (§) , Filippo BASTIANINI (§) and Angelo DI TOMMASO (§) (*) Seal S.p.A.-Research and Development-Via S.Quasimodo, 33- 20025 Legnano – Italy (§) IUAV (Venice University Institute of Architecture)- Dept. of Architectural Construction - Santa Croce, Tolentini, 191 - 30135 Venezia - Italy ABSTRACT In order to evaluate the capabilities of high performances Composites in the restoration / reinforcement of metal structures a project devoted to restore an historical cast iron bridge in Venice (Italy) has been started. The demands for this kind of applications are very different ranging from high durability to low aesthetic impact. In this paper the substantiation approach used to demonstrate that the technology fulfils the requirements is presented. The materials used are different kinds of Kevlar fabrics impregnated with epoxy resin and other filled epoxies (for corrosion inhibition, puttying etc.). The experimental results obtained show that Aramid Fabric Reinforced Polymers should be very effective for strengthening of damaged metal surfaces. INTRODUCTION The use of composite made of continuous Fibers Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is widely increasing in civil engineering. It is worth to mention wrapping of reinforced concrete columns to increase the seismic and compressive resistance, and bonding of pultruded strips to reinforce ceilings etc.(ref 1). With respect to these kind of applications, up to now, there are few experiences in the reinforcement of damaged metal surfaces in the field of civil engineering (ref. 2). In order to demonstrate the potentiality of FRP for this purpose, a working team has been established. The group comprises SEAL (the developer and manufacturer of the materials), Dupont (the fiber manufacturer), University of Venice – IUAV DCA (which engineered the work) and INSULA (the Company for the maintenance of Venice which lead the work). The objective of this pilot project is to restore/reinforce and repair the “Ponte de la Corona” which is a little cast iron bridge in Venice.