The Condition Evolution of Concrete Bridges Based on a Segmental Approach, Nondestructive Test Methods, and Deterioration Models

摘要

An effective bridge management system (BMS) requires an accurate prediction of the condition deterioration of bridges and their remaining service lives. These predictions are currently based on visual inspections and comparison with older structures. These can be improved by using a segmental approach, accurate deterioration models and non-destructive testing. An on-going research project, at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, is evaluating the potential benefits of this approach by applying it to representative bridges of the Swiss highway system. This paper provides an overview of this approach and its application to bridges, and highlights the important findings.