Title:
Condition Survey of Prestressed Concrete Bridges
Author(s):
Vladimir Novokshchenov
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
11
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
60-68
Keywords:
bridges (structures); concrete durability; corrosion; cover; deicers; drainage; joints (junctions); post-tensioning; prestressed concrete; prestressing steels; pretensioning; salts; surveys; General
DOI:
Date:
9/1/1989
Abstract:
Results of a study of prestressed concrete bridge structures exposed to a deicing salt environment are presented. In-service bridges incorporating pre- and post-tensioned systems were sampled and results indicated that the primary cause of deterioration of prestressed members was penetration of runoff water containing deicing salts through concrete cover and through anchorage zones. Improperly designed and maintained joints and drainage systems were the primary pathways for salt ingress. Procedures, parameters, and threshold values for detection of corrosive environments and assessing the condition of prestressing steel in bridge components also are discussed.