engleski

Condition Assessment of Existing Bridges

Infrastructure networks such as road and railways networks are play very important role in everyday life of a country and its people. They provide mobility that people can reach their destinations as quickly and safely as possible, and they have a great role in transportation of goods. For these reasons it is very important to that the infrastructure network is maintaining its functionality with as little inconveniences as possible. Bridges, as the very important part of the transportation network, are especially vulnerable to constant and serious deterioration. Deterioration of bridges is consequence of: - poor planning maintenance operations - lack of funding for regular maintenance - poor design and detailing - underestimation of maintenance role in the past - environmental impact - ageing processes - increased volume of traffic and loads in general on existing structures Aware of this problems associated with the available funds for preservation of the functionality, safety, load carrying capacity and satisfactory conditions of bridge structures it is intended to form some kind of database of existing structures (bridges, overpasses, underpasses, culverts) that are part of current road network. To properly form the database it is necessary to conduct several types of onsite static and dynamic tests on structures which along with the computer calculations would give us total view of current state of the bridge. Also visual examinations would have to be conducted. Calculations of existing bridges are to be done with loads, which it was designed to, and also with loads, which are in use today. Based on this calculations and measurements on the site conclusions on current bridge conditions can be made. This paper will give assessment results of two overpasses on existing highways in Croatia which were tested and calculation were made based on currant loads and loads in time of their construction. Based on these two results a model of assessments of similar structures will be given.

bridge; assessment standards; assessment calculation

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