Title: Durability of Prestressed Concrete Bridges in the North-East District of Japan

Author(s): S.Fukuda, T. Fujiwara, M. Shoya, M. Kawakami and F. Omata

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 170

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1447-1466

Keywords: Alkali-aggregate reactions; cracking (fracturing) damage; drainage; durability; efflorescense; freeze thaw durability; prestressed concrete; sodium chloride

DOI: 10.14359/6886

Date: 7/1/1997

Abstract:
In order to establish durable design of concrete structures, to estimate the service life of the bridges and to obtain data indicating whether the prestressed concrete bridges need repair, the durability of 267 prestressed concrete bridges in service for ten to thirty years in north- east district of Japan was investigated. Furthermore, results of investigation in north-east district were compared with those of Kyushu district. Characteristics of the deterioration of respective parts of prestressed concrete bridge are described from the viewpoints of materials and structures. The results establish the influence of moisture on efflorescence and cracking of superstructures and the influence of frost damage as in snow and cold regions. Furthermore, effective countermeasures for improving durability of concrete structures are discussed and proposed.