Applying Private Sector Strategy to Maintenance Painting of Steel Bridges

The costs associated with bridge corrosion are well documented. Corrosion and its toll on infrastructure have resulted in multiple studies aimed at preventing or remediating its effects. Many of these studies are focused on either the development of new materials of construction to evaluate their suitability for the future, or the design elements of the bridge structure itself--all in an attempt to prolong the longevity of structures by using more efficient design and materials aimed at avoiding corrosion damage to bridges. This article discusses redirecting attention to a third area: whether current practices relating to the prevention and remediation of corrosion are, in fact, effective in reducing long-term lifecycle costs, and whether simple steps can be taken today that will accrue long-term benefits for lower overall ownership costs. The greatest challenge is how best to decide which bridge structures will receive corrosion mitigation measures in the near term and which structures will be deferred to later years.

• Authors:
  • Rutherford, Bruce
• Publication Date: 2006-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: pp 16-19
• Serial:
  • Bridges
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: ZweigWhite

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Corrosion protection; Infrastructure; Life cycle costing; Maintenance practices; Metal bridges; Service life; Steel structures; Structural deterioration and defects
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Finance; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01036513
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 1 2006 7:27AM