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Maintenance, Inspection and

Rehabilitation of Bridges
By
Sri A.Nagendra
Joint Secretary (Rtd)
Karnataka PWD
Bangalore

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WELCOME TO ALL
TRAINEES

BRIDGES ARE
NATIONAL
ASSETS
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THEY MUST BE
MAINTAINED
AND PRESERVED IN
GOOD
CONDITION

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THREE TYPES OF BRIDGES

DEPENDING ON LINEAR
WATERWAY
1.

CULVERTS < 6.0 m

2.

MINOR BRIDGES 6.0 to 60.0 m

3.

MAJOR BRIDGES > 60.0 m

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PORTIONS OF A BRIDGE
1.

FOUNDATION

2.

SUBSTRUCTURE

3.

BEARINGS

4.

SUPERSTRUCTURE

5.

PROTECTIVE
WORKS

SUPER
STRUCTURE
BEARINGS

SUB STRUCTURE
Bed

Level

FOUNDATION

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COMPONENTS OF A BRIDGE
Parapet
Kerb
Foot path
Drainage spout
Expansion Joint
Wearing coat
Decking structure
Bearings
Bearing seat
Pier
Abutment
Returns
Well cap/Pile cap
Foundations
Protective Works

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COMPONENTS OF A BRIDGE
(contd)
Foundation
Open
Well
Pile

Protective Works
Bank Protection
Embankment
Floor Protection
Guide Bunds
*****

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MAINTANANCE
IS DEFINED AS THE WORK NEEDED TO PRESERVE THE
INTENDED LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF THE BRIDGE AND
ENSURE THE CONTINUED SAFETY OF THE ROAD USERS.

REHABILITATION
REHABILITATION OPERATIONS AIM AT RESTORING THE
BRIDGE TO THE SERVICE LEVEL IT ONCE HAD AND HAS
NOW LOST OR WHICH WAS NOT ACHIEVED DUE TO
DEFICIENCES IN ORIGINAL DESIGN OR CONSTRUCTION.

RETROFITTING
STRENGTHENING, WIDENING, RAISING ETC., AIMING AT
IMPROVING THE LEVEL OF SERVIE BY
a. LOAD CARRYING CAPAICTY
b. WIDTH OF CARRIAGE WAY

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MAINTENANCE
BRIDGES FORM VITAL LINK IN ANY
ROAD NETWORK. BRIDGES HAVE TO
BE MAINTAINED TO KEEP IT IN TRAFFIC
WORTHY CONDITION TO ENABLE
UNINTERRUPTED FLOW OF TRAFFIC
SYSTEMATIC MAINTENANCE IS
ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE LONG TERM
DURABILITY OF BRIDGES

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OBJECTIVE OF MAINTENANCE
TO KEEP BRIDGES IN SOUND
STRUCTURAL CONDITION AND SAFE
FOR TRAFFIC
WATER MUST FLOW FREELY AT ALL
FLOOD LEVELS WITHOUT DAMAGING
THE BRIDGE OR WATER WAY

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MAINTENANCE CONSISTS OF
1. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES
2. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES

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ROUTINE ACTIVITIES
CLEANING / CLEARING
MINOR REPAIRS LIKE
POINTING OF MASONRY
PAINTING
REPAIR TO PARAPET
REPLACE DAMAGED FOOTPATH SLABS
CLEARING DRAINAGE SPOUTS
CLEARING EXPANSION JOINTS

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PERIODIC ACTIVITIES
RETAINING WALL
BED PROTECTION
RESETTING OF APRONS/PITCHING
REPLACING BEARINGS
REPLACING EXPANSION JOINTS

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DEFECTS
DEFECTS SHOULD BE DETECTED EARLY.
NEGLECTING CAUSES DAMAGE AND IF
UNATTENDED MAY LEAD TO COLLAPSE
OF STRUCTURE OR VERY EXPENSIVE
REPAIRS
DEFECTS ARE AGAIN CLASSIFIED
1. MINOR DEFECTS
2. MAJOR DEFECTS

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MINOR DEFECTS

1. NON-STRUCTURAL
ACCUMULATION OF DIRT AND SOIL ON DECK
BLOCKING OF DRAINAGE SPOUT
STONE,SOIL,DIRT IN EXPANSION JOINTS
DIRT AROUND BEARINGS
VEGETATION
CRACKING OR MOVEMENT OF APPROACH SLAB
SOIL IN WEEPHOLES
FLOOD DEBRIS UNDER BRIDGE
DEFECTS IN CONCRETE POST AND HANDRAIL
SCOUR AT FOOTING, SLOPE FAILURE

MAIN CAUSE
POOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

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DEVELOPMENT IF NEGLECTED
SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACE WHEN WET ACCIDENTS
PONDING OF WATER ATTACKING THE STRUCTURE BY
PENETRATION
DECK PREVENTED FROM DESIRED EXPANSION
CONTRACTION
BUILDING OF PORE PRESSURE BEHIND ABUTMENTS
-SETTLEMENT OF FILL
FIRE HAZARD IN DRY SEASON
EROSION OF RIVER BED
REMEDIES
CLEANING / CLEARING

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MINOR DEFECT (contd)

2. STRUCTURAL
DAMAGED PARAPET
MISSING FOOT PATH SLAB
MISSING OR LOOSE NUT / CONNECTOR
RUSTY STEEL, FADED PAINT
DAMAGED WARNING SIGNS
DEFECTIVE, MASONRY JOINTS
MAIN CAUSES
AGE
ACTION OF TRAFFIC
ACTION OF WATER
WEATHERING
SETTLEMENT
POOR CONSTRUCTION

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DEVELOPMENT IF NEGLECTED
LOSS OF SENSE OF SAFETY
ACCIDENT
FURTHER DAMAGE BY CORROSION
UNCOMFORTABLE RIDE
DAMAGE TO TYRES
LOCAL SETTLEMENT OF MASONRY
SETTLEMENT OF APPROACHES
REMEDIES
REPLACE MISSING FOOT PATH SLAB AND PARAPET
PAINTING
POINTING MASONRY
REPAIR LOOSE OR MISSING CONNECTORS

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MAJOR DEFECTS

WASHING AWAY OF PROTECTIVE WORKS

WASHING AWAY OF EMBANKMENT
BULGING MASONRY
CRACKED CONCRETE / MASONRY
SPALLING OF CONCRETE
SERIOUS RUST OR CHEMICAL STAINS
DAMAGED EXPANSION JOINTS
RUSTING OF REINFORCING STEEL OR PRESTESSING CABLE
DISTORTED STRUCTURAL STEEL MEMBERS
SETTLEMENT OF DECK / PIER / ABUTMENT
STREAM EROSION

ALL MAJOR DEFECTS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE NOTICE

OF THE HIGHER OFFICER IMMEDIATELY

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MAJOR DEFECTS (contd)

MAIN CAUSES
CAUSE OF MAJOR DEFECTS REQUIRE DETAILED
EXAMINATION ON CASE TO CASE BASIS

REMEDIES
REHABILITATION / RECONSTRUCTION

P.S :- NATURAL CALAMITIES LIKE EARTH QUAKE,

FLOOD, CYCLONE ALSO CAUSES MAJOR
DEFECTS

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COMMON TOOLS USED FOR

MAINTENANCE

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NOW WE WILL BE SEEING

PHOTOGRAPHS OF SOME OF
THE DAMAGED BRIDGES

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COVER TO DECK SLAB SPALLED

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SETTLEMENT OF FOUNDATION

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SETTLEMENT OF FOUNDATION

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SETTLEMENT OF FOUNDATION

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SETTLEMENT OF FOUNDATION

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SETTLEMENT OF FOUNDATION
(AFTER RESTORATION)

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DAMAGE TO SUPER STRUCTURE

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COLLAPSE OF SUPER STRUCTURE

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CONSEQUENT COLLAPSE OF PIER

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DAMAGE TO FOOT PATH SLAB

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VEGETATION GROWTH

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VEGETATION GROWTH

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VEGETATION GROWTH

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VEGETATION GROWTH

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DISPLACEMENT OF GIRDER

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CRUSHING OF WEARING COAT

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CORROSION OF REINFORCEMENT

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DAMAGED PARAPET

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DAMAGED PARAPET

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DAMAGED PARAPET

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TRANSVERSE MOVEMENT OF DECK

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DAMAGE TO DECK SLAB

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DAMAGE TO MAIN GIRDER

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SPALLING OF CROSS GIRDERS

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LAPPING OF REINFORCEMENT IN
MID SPAN

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POOR QUALITY CONCRETE

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LARGE CAVITIES IN CONCRETE

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CRUSHING OF CROSS GIRDER

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SETTLEMENT OF APPROACHES

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SOCIETY HAS RIGHT TO DEMAND ON

THE ENGINEERS SERVICES FOR THE
UPKEEP OF THE STRUCTURE SO THAT IT
REMAINS THERE FOR THE PURPOSE
FOR WHICH IT WAS BUILT IN THE FIRST
PLACE
******

IR-RASTA

INSPECTION
INDIA HAS THE SECOND LARGEST NETWORK OF ROADS
IN THE WORLD NEXT ONLY TO THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA
BRIDGES FORM THE VITAL LINKS OF THE NETWORK
SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF NATIONAL RESOURCES IS
SPENT ON ROADS AND BRIDGES
DURABILITY OF INVESTMENT OF SUCH MAGNITUDE AND
IMPORTANCE IS OF PRIME CONCERN TO ALL ENGINEERS
AND PLANNERS
THEREFORE IT IS NECESSARY THAT PERIODIC
INSPECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT BY RESPONSIBLE
OFFICERS SO THAT TIMELY STEPS ARE TAKEN

IR-RASTA

GUIDELINES FOR INSPECTION

IRC SPECIAL PUBLICATION NO. 35
GUIDELINES FOR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF
BRIDGES
IRC SPECIAL PUBLICATION - NO. 18
MANUAL FOR HIGHWAY BRIDGE MAINTENANCE
INSPECTION
IRC 52 1998 BRIDGE INSPECTION REFERENCE
MANUAL

THESE MANULS PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON THE

TYPE OF INSPECTION
TIME AND FREQUENCY OF INSPECTION
STATUS OF INSPECTING OFFICER
FEATURES TO BE INSPECTED
FOLLOW UP ACTION ON THE INSPECTION REPORT

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INSPECTION (contd)
ORIGINAL BRIDGE REPORT TO BE MAINTAINED FOR ALL
BRIDGES ON THE BASIS OF COMPLETED DRAWINGS
FOR OLD BRIDGES BASED ON THE INSPECTION OF
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER REPORT TO BE COMPILED
FOR MAJOR BRIDGES ENGINEERS ASSOCIATED WITH
CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT SHOULD ALSO PREPARE
MAINTENANCE MANUAL INDICATING CRITICAL POINTS
NEEDING SPECIAL ATTENTION FOR GUIDANCE OF
SUBSEQUENT ENGINEERS WHO WILL BE INCHARGE OF
MAINTENANCE

IR-RASTA

TYPES OF INSPECTION
THE TYPES OF INSPECTION ARE
1. ROUTINE INSPECTION
2. PRINCIPAL INSPECTION
3. SPECIAL INSPECTION

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ROUTINE INSPECTION THE

PURPOSE IS TO DETERMINE OBVIOUS
DEFICIENCIES WHICH MIGHT LEAD TO
ACCIDENTS OR MAY INVOLVE HIGH
MAINTENANCE COSTS IN FUTURE
FREQUENCY OF ROUTINE
INSPECTION SHALL BE TWICE A YEAR
BEFORE MONSOON AND AFTER
MONSOON

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PRINCIPAL INSPECTION
THIS IS MORE INTENSIVE AND DETAILED
CLOSE VISUAL INSPECTION OF ALL COMPONENTS OF
BRIDGE
SUPPLEMENTED BY STANDARD INSTRUMENTATION AID
INCLUDES UNDER WATER INSPECTION
FREQUENCY
FIRST PRINCIPAL INSPECTION TO BE CONDUCTED BEFORE THE
EXPIRY OF DEFECT LIABILITY PERIOD BUT NOT LATER THAN
6 MONTHS AFTER COMPLETION
THEREAFTER NOT MORE THAN 3 YEARS
SHALL BE CARRIED OUT BY SENIOR LEVEL ENGINEER

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SPECIAL INSPECTION
UNDERTAKEN IN THE EVENT OF UNUSUAL
OCCURANCES SUCH AS
STRONG EARTHQUAKE
ACCIDENTS
PASSAGE OF UNUSUAL FLOODS OR UNUSUAL LOADS
HEAVY IMPACT OF FLOATING BARGES OR FLOOD
DEBRIS
MAJOR WEAKNESS NOTICED DURING ROUTINE OR
PRINCIPAL INSPECTION
SUCH INSPECTIONS REQUIRE GOOD DEAL OF
SUPPLEMENTARY TESTING AND STRUCTURAL
ANALYSIS
GENERALLY CARRIED OUT BY EXPERTS IN THE FIELD
AND SENIOR LEVEL ENGINEERS

INSPECTING OFFICERS
LENGTH OF BRIDGE

STATUS OF OFFICER

UPTO 30 m
30 m to 60 m

JUNIOR ENGINEER
ASST. ENGINEER/ASST. EX
ENGINEER
EXECUTIVE ENGINEER

60 m to 200 m
ABOVE 200 m AND ALL
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE,
CONTINUOUS BRIDGES,
SUSPENSION BRIDGES, CABLE
STAYED BRIDGES AND SPECIAL
STRUCTURES

SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER IN
ALL CASES AND IN ADDITION
CHIEF ENGINEER FOR BRIDGES
ABOVE 500 m IN LENGTH

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INSPECTION PROCEDURE
ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED SHOUD BE PROPERLY PLANNED IN DETAIL
INCLUDING SEQUENCE OF INSPECTION
SHOULD CAUSE MINIMUM INCONVENIENCE TO TRAFFIC

NO COMPONENT SHOULD BE OVERLOOKED

TYPICAL PATTERN MAY BE
FOUNDATION
ABUTMENTS
WINGWALLS / RETURNS
PIER-PIERCAP
BEARINGS
SOFFIT OF DECK AND BEAM
DETAILS UNDER THE DECK
CONDITION OF ROADSURFACE
CONDITION OF FOOTPATH SLAB, PARAPET, DRAINAGE SPOUTS
EXPANSION JOINTS
CONDITION OF APPROACHES
CONDITION OF PROTECTIVE WORKS
THE M.O.R.T.H HAS EVOLVED STANDARD PROFORMA FOR
INSPECTION OF BRIDGES WHICH COVERS ALL COMPONENTS

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ACCESS FOR INSPECTION

ALL THE THREE FORMS OF INSPECTION REQUIRE
APPROPRIATE MEANS OF ACCESS
BUILT IN ACCESS
MANHOLE
BUILT IN LADDER
PERMANENT CATWALK

SEMI MOBILE ACCESS

SUSPENDED LADDER
CATWALK
SCAFFOLDING PLANKING
PLATFORM

MOBILE ACCESS

SKY LADDER
INSPECTION GANTRY
BARGES
MOBILE INSPECTION UNIT

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SKY LADDER

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INSPECTION PLATFORM SUSPENDED

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INSPECTION BARGE

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MOBILE INSPECTION UNIT

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BRIDGE INSPECTION VEHICLE

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BRIDGE INSPECTION VEHICLE

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BRIDGE INSPECTION VEHICLE

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MOBILE INSPECTION UNIT

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MOBILE INSPECTION UNIT

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INSPECTION GANTRY

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INSPECTION OF BRIDGES SHOULD BE

CARRIED DILIGENTLY AND EARNESTLY
THIS HELPS IN FORMING PROPER
REHABILITATION SCHEMES FOR WEAK
BRIDGES
*****

IR-RASTA

REHABILITATION
BRIDGE STRUCTURES DURING THEIR SERVICE LIFE MUST
HAVE A SPECIFIED LEVEL OF SAFETY AND SERVICE ABILITY
UNDER DESIGN LOADS AND ANTICIPATED CONDITIONS OF
USE
BRIDGES, HOWEVER, GENERALLY DETERIORATE WITH
PASSAGE OF TIME DUE TO
AGING AND WEATHERING
INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE
INADEQUACIES IN DESIGN AND DETAILING
MISHAPS AND ACCIDENTS
CHANGE OF HYDRAULIC AND LIVE LOAD PARAMETERS
DURING SERVICE
DAMAGES DUE TO EXTERNAL CAUSES LIKE FLOOD, FIRE,
EARTHQUAKE AND FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT
REHABILITATION AIMS AT RESTORING THE
BRIDGE TO THE SERVICE LEVEL IT ONCE
HAD AND HAS NOW LOST

IR-RASTA

TYPES OF BRIDGES

VARIOUS TYPES OF BRIDGES

MASONRY BRIDGES STONE/BRICK
R.C.C BRIDGES
STEEL BRIDGES
COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGES
TIMBER BRIDGES
FORMS OF BRIDGES
ARCH MASONRY CONCRETE
STEEL GIRDERS WITH CONCRETE DECK SLAB
R.C.GIRDERS WITH DECK SLAB
BOX GIRDERS
R.C.C.RIGID FRAME
P.S.C.GIRDERS AND DECK SLAB
P.S.C. BOX GIRDERS

IR-RASTA

NORMALLY OBSERVED DISTRESS

ARCH BRIDGES
CHANGE IN PROFILE OF ARCH
LOOSENESS OF MORTAR
MOVEMENT OF ABUTMENT/PIER
LONGITUDINAL CRACKS
LATERAL AND DIAGONAL CRACKS
CRACKS BETWEEN ARCH RING SPANDREL OR PARAPET WALL
VERTICAL CRACK IN THE RETRUN WALL
BULGING OF WALL
R.C.C BRIDGES
CRACKING
SCALING
DELAMINATION
SPALLING
LEACHING
STAINS
HOLLOW OR DEAD SOUND
DEFORMATIONS
HOLE IN DECK SLAB
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGES
CRACKING
LEACHING
STAINS
SPALLING
DEFORMATION
ABNORMAL VIBRATION

IR-RASTA

STEPS INVOLVED IN WORKING OUT A

REHABILITATION PROJECT
EVALUATION OF STRUCTURE FROM AVAILABLE
DOCUMENTS AND INSPECTION
LOCATING DAMAGES/DEFECTS/DESTRESS
ANALYSIS OF CAUSES OF
DAMAGES/DEFECTS/DISTRESS
EVALUATION OF RESULTS OF STRUCTURAL
ASSESSMENT
DESIGN OF REPAIRS FOR
REHABILITATION/STRENGTHENING
FRAMING PROPOSALS AND ESTIMATION OF COSTS
FIXING OF AGENCY
CARRYING OUT REHABILITATION WORK

IR-RASTA

TECHNICAL APPROACH FOR

REHABILITATION
STRATEGY FOR DETERMINATION IS IN THE LIGHT OF
THROUGH INVESTIGATION
DIAGNOSIS OF THE CAUSES OF DETERIORATION,
FAULT, WEAKNESS
ASSEESSMENT OF CURRENT CONDITION OF
BRIDGE
REPAIR AND STRENGTHENING SHOULD BE
STRUCTURALLY AND CHEMICALLY COMPATIBLE
WITH THE ORIGINAL STRUCTURE

IR-RASTA

EVOLUTION OF REHABILITATION
TECHNIQUES

WITH THE GROWTH OF STRUCTURES INVOLVING

COMBINATION OF CONCRETE AND STEEL, PROBLEM OF
FUNCTIONALLY SATISFACTORY AND STRUCTURALLY
DEFICIENT STRUCTURES AROSE
THIS LED TO THE SCIENCE OF REHABILITATION, WHICH IS
RELATIVELY NEW COMPARED TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCION
REHABILITATION DEMANDS KNOWLEDGE OF
DESIGN,DETAILING, CONSTRUCION CHEMISTRY OF
MATERIALS, DIAGNOSTIC TECHINQUES, HIGHLEVEL OF
ENGINEERING AND SUPERVISION
SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF A REHABILITATION
PROGRAM INVOLVES WORK OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM OF
SPECIALISTS FOR INVESTIGATION, DIAGNOSIS, ENGINEERING
AND SUPERVISION
CONTINUOUS MONITORING DURING
REHABILITATION AND SUBSEQUENT SERVICE
LIFE IS MANDATORY

IR-RASTA

TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS

INVESTIGATION
PRIOR TO INVESTIGATION AVAILABLE DRAWINGS MUST
BE STUDIED TO IDENTIFY VULNERABLE DETAILS
INVESTIGATION IS CARRIED OUT IN THREE LEVELS

VISUAL METHODS USEFUL IN DETECTING CRACKING, SCALING

RUSTING, WEARING, ABRASION DAMAGES
GENERAL SURVEY WITH LIMITED PHYSICAL TESTS TO PLAN FOR
MORE DETAILED INVESTIGATION AND POSSIBLE REHABILITATION
DETAILED TESTING CONSISTING OF

ELECTRICAL AND CHEMICAL METHODS FOR DETECTING CORROSSION

ULTRASONIC METHODS FOR CRACK DETECTION
THERMOGRAPHY AND RADAR TECHNIQUE FOR DETECTING
DELAMINATION AND SCALING BELOW WEARING COAT
RADIOGRAPHY FOR DETECTING VOIDS IN THE GROUT

IRC SP 40 GUIDELINES FOR REHABILITATION OF

STRUCTUES GIVES ELABORATE LIST OF TESTS

IR-RASTA

TO ASSESS THE EXTENT OF DISTRESS

AND PRESENT CONDITION OF BRIDGES
FOLLOWING STUDIES ARE CONDUCTED
STUDY

1.

2.

DIMENSIONAL MEASUREMENT
OF ALL ELEMENTS OF BRIDGE
STRUCTURE

CORE EXTRACTION (CST)

PURPOSE
TO OBTAIN ACCURATE
MEASUREMENTS OF ALL
COMPONENTS AND TO PREPARE
DRAWING REQUIRED FOR ARRIVING
AT METHODS OF RESTORATION
TO ASSESS THE STRENGTH OF
INSITU CONCRETE AND FOR
VERIFICATION OF RESULTS OF
OTHER METHODS OF NON
DESTRUCTIONVE TESTING

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STUDY

PURPOSE

3.

ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY

TEST (UPVT)

TO ASSESS THE QUALITY OF

CONCRETE IN GENERAL.
DETERMINATION OF UNIFORMITY
OF CONCRETE, INTERNAL
CRACKING, HONEY COMBING.
THE EQUIPMENT IS KNOWN AS
PUNDIT (PORTABLE ULTRASONIC
NONDESTRUCTIVE DIGITAL
INDICATING TESTER)

4.

REBOUND HAMMER TEST(RHT)

ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF

COVER CONCRETEBASED ON
SURFACE HARDNESS. HIGHER THE
REBOUND NUMBER HIGHER THE
STRENGTH.

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STUDY

PURPOSE

5.

COVER METER TEST (CMT)

BASED ON ELECTRO MAGNETIC

PRINCIPLES TO ASSESS THE
COVER PROVIDED. LOCATING AND
MAPPING OF REINFORCEMENTS

6.

HALF CELL POTENTIAL

MEASUREMENT TEST
(HCPT)

7.

ENDOSCOPIC STUDY

MEASURED IN TERMS OF
MILLIVOLTS WITH REFERENCE TOA
REFERENCE ELECTRODE. TO
DETERMING THE RATE OF
CORROSION OF REINFORCEMENT
WORKS ON THE PRICIPLE OF
LIGHT SOURCE THROUGH OPTIC
FIBRES. TO STUDY CAVITY,
PITTING OF EMBEDDED
REINFORCEMENT GROUTING
QUALITY OF H.T.CABLES

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STUDY

PURPOSE

8.

CARBONATION TEST

TO DETERMINE THE DEPTH OF

CARBONATION IN R.C.ELEMENTS

9.

CHLORIDE DETERMINATION
TEST

TO ESTIMATE THE LEVEL OF

CHLORIDES IN CONCRETE.
PRESENCE OF HIGHER AMOUNT OF
CHLORIDES SURROUNDING THE
REINFORCEMENT CAUSES
CORROSION

10. SULPHATE DETERMINATION

TEST

TO ESTIMATE THE LEVEL OF

SULPHATE IN CONCRETE.
PRESENCE OF HIGHER AMOUNT OF
SULPHATES WILL RESULT IN
REACTION WITH CALCIUM CAUSING
DETERIORATION OF CONCRETE.

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STUDY
11.

LEVEL OF pH IN CONCRETE

PURPOSE
LEVEL OF pH IN FRESH
CONCRETE IS GENERALLY 12 TO
14. IF THE pH VALUE OF
HARDENED CONCRETE REDUCES
IT INDICATES THAT CONCRETE IS
CARBONATED WHEN pH VALUE
FALLS BELOW 10 ALKALANITY WILL
NOT BE ADEQUATE TO PROTECT
AGAINST CORROSION

IR-RASTA

RESULTS CAN BE SUMMARISED AS

MECHNICAL PROPERTIES
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL CONDITION
EXTERNAL MANIFESTATION
*****

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NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTS

NECESSARY FOR CONDUCTING NON DESTRUCTIVE
TESTING FOR CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF BRIDGES
HAS GROWN CONSIDERABLY IN RECENT TIMES DUE TO
INCREASING NUMBER OF BRIDGES SHOWING SIGNS OF
DISTRESS
A LARGE VARIETY OF TECHINQUES AND METHODS ARE
BEING DEVELOPED ALL OVER THE WORLD TO ASSESS
MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND STRUCTURAL RESPONSE
SCOPE, APPLICABILITY, AND ACCURACY VARY
CONSIDERABLY FROM INSTRUMENT TO INSTRUMENT
NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING IS SUPPLEMENTARY TO
VISUAL INSPECTION
IT IS A GROWING FIELD OF SCIENCE AND HAS GREAT
SCOPE FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

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SCHMIDT HAMMER TEST

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SCHMIDT HAMMER TEST

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CONCRETE CORE EXTRACTION

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CONCRETE CORE EXTRACTION

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PROFOMETER TEST

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PROFOMETER TEST

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ULTRASONIC TESTS

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HALF CELL POTENTIAL TEST

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CHLORIDE PENETRATION TEST

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ENDOSCOPE TEST

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REPAIRS AND STRENGTHENING

TECHNIQUES

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF MATERIALS AND

TECHNIQUES FOR REPAIRS AND STRENGTHENING
COULD BE
CAUSES OF DISTRESS
EFFICIENCY OF THE MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES IN THE
PRESERVATION AND/OR ENHANCING LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF
THE STRUCTURE
AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANCE OF THE BRIDGE
TIME AVAILABILITY
LIFE EXPECTANCY
FEASIBILITY OF TRAFFIC DIVERSION

IR-RASTA

REPAIRS TO FOUNDATIONS
FOUNDATION REPAIRS HAVE TO BE TREATED ON CASE TO CASE
BASIS. EACH CASE HAS TO BE ANALYSED INDIVIDUALLY AND MAY
REQUIRE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS
SOME EXAMPLES
SCOUR AND EROSION PROTECTION REPAIR OF PROTECTIVE WORKS
REPAIR OF FOUNDATION BUILT ON SOFT GROUND SUBJECT TO
EROSION
STRENGTHENING OF FOUNDATIONS
EXTENDING EXISTING FOUNDATIONS
REPAIR OF UNDER WATER STRUCTURES
REPAIR OF SERRATIONS ON THE SURFACE CAUSED BY HIGH VELOCITY
OF PARTICLES IN THE WATER

UNDER WATER WORK

PROPERLY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED PERSONNEL TO BE DEPLOYED
SOPHISTICATED TECHNIQUES LIKE ULTRASONIC THICKNESS GUAGE,
COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY, ACOUSTIC MICROGRAPY ARE BEING
INCREASINGLY ADOPTED

IR-RASTA

REPAIRS TO MASONRY STRUCTURES

LOSS OF BOND FOR CROWN STONE
FLAT JACKS ARE USED FOR PUSHING THE STONE TO ORIGINAL
POSITION LOW PRESSURE CEMENT GROUTING IS DONE TO
STRENGTHEN OLD MORTAR
LONGITUDINAL CRACKS ALONG THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC
FOR SMALLER DEPTH OF CRACKS
RAKE THE MORTAR JOINTS AND REFILL WITH CEMENT MORTAR
IF DEPTH OF PENETRATION IS MORE IT IS BETTER TO ADOPT FINE
CEMENT INJECTION(GROUTING) FOR REMEDIAL MEASURES
GENERALLY IT IS CHEAPER AND BETTER TO GROUT THE CRACKS WITH
CEMENT THAN WITH EPOXY
TRANSVERSE CRACKS
INJECTION OF CEMENT WILL PROVIDE A GOOD BOND BETWEEN STONE
OR BRICK MASONRY
STRENGTHENING OF ARCH RINGS
BY ADDING MATERIALS TO INTRADOS AND EXTRADOS

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REPAIRS AND STRENGTHENING

TECHNIQUES FOR CONCRETE BRIDES

REPAIR WORKS NOT REQUIRING STRENGTHENING

THIS MAY BE CATEGORISED AS
REPAIR OF CONCRETE SURFACE
REPAIR OF CONCRETE CRACKS
REPAIR OF CORRODED REINFORCEMENT
REPAIR OF HIGH TENSILE STEEL
REPAIR OF POROUS CONCRETE AND HOLES

PREREQUISITE FOR REPAIR OF CONCRETE SURFACE IS REMOVAL

OF LOOSE DAMAGED AND FRACTURED CONCRETE BY
MECHANICAL METHODS
HYDRAULIC METHODS
NORMALLY USED MECHANICAL METHODS ARE MILLING, CHIPPING,
SANDBLASTING AND COMPRESSED AIR CLEANING
HYDRAULIC METHODS SUCH AS WATER JETTING ARE PREFERABLE TO JACK
HAMMERS FOR PREVENTING DAMAGE
10 40 MPa REMOVAL OF LOOSE PARTICLES, VEGETATION, STAINS
40 120 MPa REMOVAL OF LOOSE CONCRETE
120 240 MPa DEMOLITION, CUTTING

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RESTORATION MATERIALS
Several restoration materials have been developed
in the recent past,which ensure safe and durable
restorations. A few of them are Modified Mortars.
Epoxy Mortars.
Cementitious/Epoxy Grouts.
Membrane/Protective Coatings.
Glass Fiber / Carbon Fiber wrappings
Free Flow Micro Concrete.
(Super Fluid Micro Concrete)
Free Flow Micro Concrete is an ideal material for
encasement / Substitution systems

*****

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Repair materials
Application / purpose

Speciality chemicals

Corrosion protection

Anticorrosive zinc rich coatings, corrosion

inhibiting admixtures, permeability reducers
like plasticisers and superplasticisers etc.

Bonding aids

Acrylic, Styrene Butadiene rubber, epoxies

Additives for grouting /

gunniting, shotcreting

Cement based

Prepacked mortars

Polymer modified cement based, epoxy

based etc.
Cement based

Shrinkage compensating
microconcrete
Injection grouts for sealing
cracks, pores
Underwater repairs
Sealing compounds
Instant plugging mortar

Low viscous epoxies, polyurethanes,

cement based
Epoxy, cement based
Epoxies, polyurethanes, polysulphides,
silicones
Cement based

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Repair materials
Application / purpose

Speciality chemicals

Putties

Cement, epoxy based

Anchoring grouts

Polyester resin based

Underwater putty

Epoxy based

Chemical resistant screed

Epoxy based

Mortars / concretes

Epxoy, cement based

Anticarbonation coatings

Aliphatic, acrylate based

Chemical resistant coatings

Epoxy, polyurethane based

Electrochemical range of products like sacrificial zinc anodes, Life jackets, Electrochemical chloride
extraction and Realkalisation etc.
Strengthening of structures

Composite fibre wrapping

Waterproof slurries / coatings

Polymer and cement based epoxy based.

Special concretes

Microconcretes, epoxy concretes, latex concretes, polymer

modified cements, sulpher concrete, fibre reinforced
concrete, shrinkage compensating concretes etc.

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Popular Restoration Techniques

1. Substitution techniques
2. Encasement techniques
3. Wrapping-Round techniques
4. Shortcreting techniques
5. Pressure grouting
6. Prestressing techniques
7. Material Strengthening techniques

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Repair Techniques
Sl.No.

Repair
Technique

Injection grouting

Guniting / shotcreting

Jacketing

Distress addressed

Materials used

Seal cracks and pores in

concrete.
Arrest leakages
Replace cover concrete
Reinstate locally damaged
areas
Build up thickness in overhead
situations
Reinstatement of extensively
damaged concrete members,
strengthening for load
enhancement

Epoxies / Polyurethane Cement

also used

Stitching

Repair of cracked concrete

External prestressing

For cracked concrete members

Holes grouted with epoxy /

polyester / cement with nonshrink
additives
HTS bars + anchors

Microconcrete
encasement

Extensively damaged concrete

beams and columns. Enhance
load carrying capacity.
Increase flexural rigidity

Shrinkage compensating, free

flow microconcretes

Epoxy steel plate

bonding

Strengthening weakened
members. Reduce deflection

Anchor grout / epoxy for bonding

Gunites / shotcretes and

admixtures

Concrete with water reducing /

Shrinkage compensating
admixtures

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Repair Techniques
8

Underwater repairs

Cracks under water strengthening

of structures, reinstatement of
worn out areas, localised damages
etc.

Under water admixtures, anti

washout microconcretes, moisture
insensitive epoxy resins and putties

9.

Patch repairs

Localised reinstatement of worn

out concrete

Polymer modified / latex modified

mortars, epoxy mortars

10.

Composite fibre wrapping

Strengthening of distress /
weakened concrete members,
seismic retrofitting

E-glass / carbon / armid fibres with

epoxy primer and saturant

11.

E-chem repairs

Long-term corrosion protection.

Prevention of formation of
incipient anodes

Sacrificial anodes / Life jackets

12.

General grouting

To densify porous concrete slabs,

retaining walls etc.

Non shrink, plasticising, additives

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STRENGTHENING OF CONCRETE
STRUCTURES

STRENGTHENING OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS CAN BE ACHIEVED

BY
REPLACING POOR QUALITY OR DEFECTIVE MATERIAL BY BETTER MATERIAL
PROVIDING ADDITIONAL LOAD BEARING MATERIAL
REDISTRIBUTION OF THE LOADING ACTIONS THROUGH IMPOSED
DEFORMATION OF THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

NEW LOAD BEARING MATERIAL WILL USUALLY BE

HIGH QUALITY CONCRETE

REINFORCING STEEL BARS
THIN STEEL PLATES AND STRAPS
POST TENSIONING TENDONS
VARIOUS COMBINATIONS

DESIGN ASPECTS
SHOULD BE DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED AS PER APPROPRIATE
CODES
TYPICAL PROBLEMS WILL BE
TRANSFER OF SHEAR FORCES BETWEEN OLD AND NEW CONCRETE
POST TENSIONING OF EXISTING STRUCTURE WHICH IS SLIGHTLY
DIFFERENT FROM POST TENSIONING OF NEW STRUCTURE

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STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCEMENT
STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCEMENT SUBJECT
TO TENSILE FORCE CAN BE ACHIEVED BY
REPLACING REINFORCEMENT SEVERELY
DAMAGED BY CORROSION
ADDITIONAL REINFORCEMENT
PLACED IN THE OLD CROSS SECTION
PLACED IN AN ADDITIONAL CONCRETE LAYER

EPOXY BONDED STEEL PLATES

THE STRENGTHENING WITH STEEL PLATE AND
EPOXY IS WORKMANSHIP SENSITIVE AND
SHOULD BE DONE UNDER EXPERT GUIDANCE
ONLY

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STRENGTHENING TO INCREASE
LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY

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STRENGTHENING THE SHEAR

ZONE

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STRENGHTENING THE STEEL

GIRDERS

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STRENGTHENING WITH
SUPPLEMENTARY PRESTRESSING

STRENGTHENING BY MEANS OF SUPPLEMENTARY

PRESTRESSING IS AN EFFECTIVE METHOD. BOTH R.C.C
AND P.S.C STRUCTURES CAN BE STRENGTHENED
ONLY POST TENSIONED SYSTEMS ARE BEING ADOPTED
USE OF LOWER STRENGTH, HIGHER DUCTILITY THREADED
BARS WOULD BE SIMPLE. ROBUST AND DURABLE AVOIDS
HIGH COST OF ANCHORAGES
DESIGNED AS NORMAL POST TENSIONED GIRDER EXCEPT
THAT EFFECT OF CREEP AND SHRINKAGE FOR OLD
CONCRETE IS FAR LESS
POST TENSIONING TENDONS SHOULD BE PROTECTED
AGAINST COROSION AND FIRE TO THE SAME EXTENT AS IN
A NEWLY BUILT STRUCTURE

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ANCHORAGE WITH AUXILIARY

STEEL FRAME

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ANCHORAGE OF SUPPLEMENTARY
PRESTRESSING ELEMENTS WITH
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS

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ANCHORAGE OF SUPPLEMENTARY
PRESTRESSING ELEMENTS AT THE END
OF THE GIRDER

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PROFILE OF EXTERNAL
PRESTRESSED CABLE

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EXTERNAL PRESTRESSED CABLE

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DEFLECTOR FOR CABLE SUPPORT

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MONITORING
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO KEEP THE REHABILITATED STRUCTURE UNDER
OBSERVATION AND ITS CONDITION MONITORED REGULARLY ON A
SPECIFIED FORM AND INSPECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT
ACCORDING TO A CALENDER
MONITORING ALSO INVOLVES CARRYING OUT CERTAIN
LABORATORY AND FIELD TESTS AS WELL AS CONDITION SURVEYS
AND MEASUREMENTS TO DETECT EVEN SMALL STRAINS,
MOVEMENTS, CHANGES IN REACTION AND DEFORMATIONS
FREQUENT PRINCIPAL INSPECTIONS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT
SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO CORROSION
MONITORING
AFTER COMPLETION OF EACH JOB OF REHABILITATION, ENGINEER
MUST PREPARE A DOCUMENT TO ENABLE DRAWING LESSONS FOR
THE FUTURE AND TO IMPROVE BRIDGE TECNOLOGY

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BRIDGE MAINTENANCE AND

MANAGEMENT IN FUTURE

EVERY STATE IN THE COUNTRY IS BURDENED WITH A

NUMBER OF OLD BRIDGES ON ITS ROAD NETWORK
MAINTENANCE NEEDS FOR OLDER BRIDGES HAS
OUTSTRIPPED AVAILABLE RESOURCES
THE SITUATION DEMANDS NEED FOR IMPROVED REPAIR
AND REHABILITATION TECHNIQUES AND ALSO
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO BRIDGE MANAGEMENT
THE INDIAN ROADS CONGRESS, MINISTRY OF ROAD
TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS, THE STATE PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT ARE WORKING TO DEVELOP BRIDGE
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS INTEGRATING THE DISCIPLINES
OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, CHEMICAL
TECHNOLOGY, INSTRUMENTATION TEHCNOLOGY,
OPERATIONS RESEARCH, ECONOMICS PLANNING AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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BRIDGE MAINTENANCE(CONTD.)

A CENTRAL AUTHORITY IN EACH STATE SHOULD INSPECT

AND INVENTORISE ALL THE BRIDGES ON THE NETWORK.
THIS WILL HELP THE DECISION MAKERS FOR OBTAINING
TIMELY AND QUALITY DATA ABOUT BRIDGE CONDITIONS.
PROJECT COSTS AND FEASIBILITY INSPECTION AND
INVENTORISING IS A MAMMOTH PROGRAM AND SHOULD
BE DONE IN A PLANNED AND METICULOUS MANNER
IN FUTURE BRIDGE INSPECTION WILL FOCUS ON THE
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENTS OF BRIDGE
PERFORMANCE AND CONDITIONS RATHER THAN VISUAL
INSPECTIONS AND CONDITION RATINGS
A VARIETY OF PERMANENT SENSORS ON BRIDGES WILL
COLLECT DATA AT MANY POINTS. THESE SENSORS WILL
BE POWERED BY AND REPORT TO WIRELESS
NETWORKS. DATA WILL BE ANALYSED AND
DETERIORATION WILL BE DETECTED AUTOMATICALLY

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BRIDGE MAINTENANCE(CONTD.)
WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE, ENGINEERS WITH KNOWLEDGE
AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE ABLE TO ACCURATELY
ANALYSE THE STRUCTURAL CONDITION AND
FORMULATE CORRECTIVE STRATEGIES
TECHNOLOGY WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THEIR ABILITY
TO MAKE THESE ASSESSMENTS

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BRIDGE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

HITHER TO REPAIR OF BRIDGES HAS BEEN A
REACTIVE ACTIVITY INITIATED ONLY WHEN
DETERIORATION THREATENS SAFETY
THE BRIDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WANTS TO
EMPHASIZE COST-EFFECTIVE & PROACTIVE
ACTION FROM THE TIME WHEN BRIDGE IS NEW.
FUTURE FOCUS WILL BE PREVENTIVE
MAINTENANCE. INCREASE IN SERVICE LIFE WILL
BE THROUGH ROUTINE ACTIVITIES LIKE CLEANING
OF BRIDGE COMPONENTS, OVERLAY RENEWAL,
MAINTAINING INTEGRITY OF JOINT SEALS,
IMMEDIATE PAINTING OF STEEL

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FUTURE APPROACH
APPROACH TO BRIDGE MAINTENANCE IS INCREASINGLY
INFLUENCED BY BRIDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. FUTURE
STRATEGY INCLUDES LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSIS AND
INCORPORATION OF USER COST INTO MAINTENANCE DECISIONS
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE ENGINEERS WILL USE AN ARRAY OF
INCRESINGLY SOPHISTICATED INSTRUMENTS PROCEDURES AND
SYSTEMS TO EVALUATE, REPAIR AND REHABILITATE
STURCTURES
RESEARCH IN MATERIALS WILL CONTINUE WITH EMPHASIS ON
PRODUCTS SUCH AS NON CORRODING REINFORCEMENTS,
IMPERMEABLE CONCRETE SUPERIOR COATINGS THAT WILL
DRASTICALLY BRING DOWN MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
WHEN USED IN NEW CONSTRUCTION

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