Title:
Inspecting Concrete Bridge Substructures: Part 2: Structural Deterioration
Author(s):
R. Richard Avent, Mohamed Alawady, and Ernest Heymsfield
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
23
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
77-81
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
2/1/2001
Abstract:
Concerns about underwater bridge substructures have tended to focus on scour. Structural deterioration, however, is also important. Because most substructures are concrete, rates of decay are of particular interest. The purpose of this paper is to discuss what has been learned about substructure deterioration. Specific issues addressed include: how substructure material deterioration rates vary by material and structural type, how waterway deterioration rates reflect structural configuration, the importance of designing repairs to avoid future problems, and how to use deterioration rates to select the best interval for underwater inspections. Examples are used to illustrate the lessons learned from underwater inspections.