Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Highway Bridges. Issue 1 (2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Polak, Maria Anna; Walbridge, Scott; Lai, David; Luckai, Jeffrey; Masnavi, Alireza
• Is Part Of: Transportation research record. Volume 2550:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2016
• Subjects: Transportation -- Periodicals; Roads; Transport -- Périodiques; Routes -- Périodiques; Routes -- Conception et construction -- Périodiques; Roads; Transportation; 388.05
• DOI: 10.3141/2550-06
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0361-1981

Abstract

The primary contributor to the corrosion of bridges in Canada is heavy use of de-icing salts, which can lead to severe rebar corrosion and girder soffit spalling in reinforced concrete (RC) highway bridges. This paper discusses recent challenges faced by authorities in dealing with corrosion problems in Canadian highway bridges, and describes typical approaches for the assessment and management of these structures. The study developed a methodology for evaluating the residual strength of spalled RC bridges. The basis for this methodology is a modified area concept, which can be used to consider the effects of exposed reinforcement at various locations along the girder length. The study developed a multipoint analysis program, which employs the modified area concept, along with graphical spalling surveys and structural drawings, to evaluate RC bridge girders. The program was adapted for a full bridge analysis and to consider other effects of corrosion, such as bar section loss and bond deterioration. A case study bridge was evaluated to show that the developed program offers a viable tool for the rapid assessment of spalled bridge girders, to facilitate the prioritization of rehabilitation projects. The methodology was evaluated in a pilot laboratory study, wherein soffit spalling simulated on reduced-scale concrete beam specimens and safe and accurate predictions of the specimen capacity were obtained using the modified area concept.