REPAIR OF SPALLING BRIDGE DECKS

Moisture, humidity, concrete cover, and age coupled with the increasing rate of chloride applications are causing embedded reinforcement steel to corrode and result in an alarming amount of bridge deck spalling. The spalling reduces the riding quality of the bridge and may have an effect on the structural integrity of the structure. The annual national cost associated with the repair is estimated to be approximately $40 million per year. The spalling problem is dealt with throughout the country by using various patching techniques. The permanency, i.e., time to replacement, of these patches has become critical especially in high traffic volume areas. Many patches are failing after relatively short service periods and cause numerous traffic interference problems. This paper discusses several patching techniques that will increase service life. The California Division of Highways through a highway planning and research project developed a nondestructive instrument that will detect corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. This paper also describes how this instrument may be put into operational use. Based on a bridge inventory using this equipment, a deck classification system is proposed that defines the type and extent of repairs that can be made. The classification also permits an administrative evaluation for maintenance and reconstruction scheduling.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/hrr/1972/400/400-009.pdf
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by Committee on Structures Maintenance. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Authors:
  • Kliethermes, John C
• Conference:
  • 51st Annual Meeting of the Highway Research Board
  • Location: Washington District of Columbia, United States
  • Date: 1972-1-17 to 1972-1-21
• Publication Date: 1972

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 83-92
• Monograph Title: Bridge design, construction and repair
• Serial:
  • Highway Research Record
  • Issue Number: 400
  • Publisher: Highway Research Board

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Bridges; Concrete bridges; Deterioration; Maintenance
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bridge maintenance
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00043907
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ISBN 0-309-02072-7
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jun 1 1973 12:00AM