Designing bridges for durability

摘要

Last summer's collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River bridge in Minnesota has moved the care and maintenance of our nation's bridges to center stage. State transportation departments and federal agencies are re-examining the mechanisms for funding comprehensive maintenance programs, given years of under budgeting for basic upkeep and the realization that the situation is reaching a critical juncture. Clearly, a lack of adequate funding for maintenance has affected the safety and quality of life of all Americans. Realizing that maintenance funding is always shortchanged, engineers and public officials are developing design strategies for new and rehabilitated bridges to significantly reduce future maintenance costs. Design innovations and new materials have proven highly successful in minimizing overall maintenance needs.