EVALUATION OF SEVEN ALUMINUM HIGHWAY BRIDGES AFTER TWO TO THREE DECADES OF SERVICE

Between 1948 and 1963 six aluminum highway bridges were erected in the United States and one was erected in Canada for highway overpasses and river crossings on Interstates and state highways. Girder types used vary from conventional built-up I and box to more radical triangular cross sections. Either riveting or welding was used depending on the structure. Recent reports from several owners and designers indicate that the performance of these bridges, particularly their corrosion resistance, is outstanding. This fact, coupled with the awesome number of obsolete bridges on the nation's roads and the impetus given to the Bridge Replacement Program by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, resulted in a survey of the seven aluminum bridges in 1983. The results of this survey--based on inspection data provided by state highway officials--illustrate how the corrosion resistance of the alloys selected and how the design, details, test, construction, and erection methods employed are being verified by excellent performance in the field. Aluminum provides the bridge engineer and owner with a proven construction material for bridges where light weight and a long maintenance-free life are required.

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
  • Pagination: pp 123-129
  • Monograph Title: Second bridge engineering conference. volumes 1 and 2
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00390855
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 03090036593
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Dec 30 1984 12:00AM