Title: Persistent Professional Neglect Responsible for Bridge Damage, Part 1: Some Examples

Author(s): Martin P. Burke, Jr.

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 26

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 53-57

Keywords: Pavement growth; pavement pressure; bridge approach; pier; jointed pavement; rigid pavement

DOI:

Date: 1/1/2004

Abstract:
Innumerable bridges both in the U.S. and abroad have been, and continue to be, damaged by the restrained growth of jointed rigid pavement. Yet it appears that many bridge engineers are unaware of this phenomenon, thus they continue to design and construct bridges that are vulnerable to extensive damage. This situation provoked the preparation of this two-part article. Because bridge and pavement engineering practices will continue to change with time, this article could give positive direction to the engineering community by helping to improve awareness of the growth/pressure phenomenon and its destructive potential; encouraging long-term research on this phenomenon; and motivating engineers to use more effective pavement and bridge practices to achieve safer and more durable structures. This part of the article describes the damaging effect of the pavement growth/pressure phenomenon on three different bridges; and it provides a brief explanation of the phenomenon.