Concrete Bridge Maintenance
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2013-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
So far, the usual practice in Ethiopia to maintain concrete structures is simply plastering and masking
the defects (ugly looking) without considering the structural aspect of the structure. But such activities
should not be called maintenance unless the overall condition of the concrete structure is regained
through the task accomplished. When the defects or a failure of the concrete structure is a bit
exaggerated, demolishing and reconstruction was the best option and was practiced so far.
In concrete bridge failures, reconstruction of the structure instead of rehabilitation for every defect or
failure is very difficult in terms of money and construction. That is the amount of money involved for
reconstruction of bridge is much and very expensive. In addition closing of the road may interrupt
traffic flow, which has significant impact on the economy of the country especially when the bridge is
on the federal road. So rehabilitation or maintenance of concrete bridges become very crucial and
mandatory to stop failure of bridges before reaching their design period and to avoid unnecessary
expense to construct a new bridge instead of maintaining and lengthen the service life of the bridge.
Proper design and construction does not mean that the bridge will serve about its design life. Because
lack of inspection and controlling with minor rehabilitation may make the bridge to fail before serving
to its maximum capacity. So monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of every concrete bridge have to
be done starting from construction day before failure, which leads to erection or construction of a very
expensive new bridge.
Unlike the practice we used to do before, concrete bridge rehabilitation techniques, materials and
procedures are burning and crucial issue now a day, being many of the bridges are reaching about their
design life and need rehabilitation before failure. Considering the urgency of the issue, the universities
in particular and the country in general with the respective parties have to think of the problem and
participate on provision of possible solutions. Although not satisfactory or to the requirement of the
country, Ethiopian Road Authority (ERA) in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) has maintained some bridges within the last five to eight years.
Concrete bridge maintenance is not an easy task, because regaining the overall condition especially the
structural strength of concrete bridge by simple plastering is difficult. So the use of different
admixtures (modifying agents), additives (fine mineral powers) and epoxies is mandatory following the
procedures and specifications given by the suppliers. At this time there are many suppliers for the construction
company involved in maintenance or construction.
Considering the importance of concrete bridge rehabilitation on a national base currently, this study has done to
address the basic defects, causes of defects, materials for maintenance and possible techniques and procedures
of rehabilitation. It has also given some idea about rehabilitation, so that the respective sectors and researchers
can have an assignment on the issue for further investigation and work.
Description
Keywords
Environmental Engineering