Structural assessment of reinforced concrete bridge structures exposed to Chloride environment

Abstract

This research paper presents a new approach to develop a simple bridge rating system for Sri Lanka. This approach evaluates the current performance of concrete bridges on the basis of simple visual inspection and non-destructive tests. The main reason to conduct this research is to develop a proper bridge management system for Sri Lanka and to develop deterioration prediction curve for bridges. Also some applicable maintenance techniques are introduced according to identify condition state of the bridge based on the durability performance of the each bridge. During field inspection, the major issue to deteriorate concrete bridges was identified as chloride induced corrosion called chloride attack. To understand flexural capacity reduction and area reduction of reinforcing steel due to corrosion, Accelerated Corrosion Testing Method (ACTM) was carried out at the laboratory. By conducting load tests, the flexural capacity reduction of deteriorated concrete beam was compared with control beam. More than fifty percentage of area reduction in msteel bars was observed while it reduced flexural capacity reduction more than seventy percent, compared to control beam.