Title:
Evaluation of Existing Concrete Bridges in Spain
Author(s):
Joan R. Casas
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
21
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
48-53
Keywords:
bending forces; bridge assessment; fatigue; service life; structural performance; safety margins
DOI:
Date:
8/1/1999
Abstract:
The article details the practical application of evaluation techniques for three different concrete bridges. The first is a masonry and plain concrete arch bridge, where the most critical limit state was the ultimate limit state of axial and bending forces. The second is a reinforced concrete portal frame bridge, where the assessment is concentrated on the limit states of bending and shear. The last is a post-tensioned concrete bridge, where the limit states of bending and fatigue are of interest. These examples demonstrate the use of reliability-based assessment methods to obtain a measurement of the actual structural performance that can be used in a decision-making scheme regarding bridge upgrading and maintenance.