CAUSES OF BRIDGE PIER STAINING
Four types of bridge stains exist in Arkansas: Rust stains; Red Stains - broad stains which are not directly traceable to rust; Gray stains - similar to red stains except for color; and graffiti. Except for graffiti, bridge stains are the result of weathering and runoff from the bridge deck. The stains contain the elements normally found in soil, rust, and tires. Bridge stains in Arkansas cause no significant structural damage, i.e., they do not accompany a deterioration of aggregate. Red and gray stains, which comprise over three-fourths of all stain on most bridges, can be effectively removed by sandblasting, washing with soap, water and a brush, or application of certain acids then rinsing. Stains on new structures can be greatly reduced by eliminating or sealing expansion joints above bridge piers. /FHWA/
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Department of Civil Engineering, 4190 Bell Engineering Center
Fayetteville, AR United States 72701 -
Authors:
- Thornton, S I
- Springer, C
- Publication Date: 1974-2
Media Info
- Pagination: 59 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Acids; Blast cleaning; Bridge piers; Bridges; Cleaning; Expansion joints; Graffiti; Maintenance; Runoff; Rusting; Sealing compounds; Weathering
- Old TRIS Terms: Cleaning procedures; Stains
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Maintenance and Preservation;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00263006
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: Federal Highway Administration
- Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt.
- Files: TRIS, USDOT
- Created Date: Sep 5 1974 12:00AM