"Reliability of existing bridge inspection and evaluation procedures" by Leroy R. Klouser

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

1-31-1988

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

First Advisor

Edward G. Dauenheimer

Second Advisor

Walter Konon

Abstract

In general, bridge inspection is subjective since visual observation and the basic inspection tools cannot reveal hidden structural deterioration, such as corrosive and delaminated rebars embedded in the concrete. Based on the NJDOT SI&A report, a scale (9 to 0) is used in rating five bridge components. This approach seems reasonable, since the time span, manpower and cost are limited throughout the counties of New Jersey. On the other hand, based on the scaling system, the SI&A reports can vary depending upon the exposed surface appearance and the experience of the bridge inspector.

Water, de-icing agents, freezing and thawing cycles are the major deterioration factors for concrete, wood and steel, in New Jersey. As a result, the deck plays a major role in protecting 75 to 86% of the structure, since the deck surface acts similar to an "umbrella", which shields the structure from water and de-icing agents. In addition, the shield features (concrete permeability, adequate drainage and deck joints) determine the life span of the structure.

Catastrophic bridge failures are the result of money restraints, design assumption, unforseeable hazards and generalized data. Furthermore, in April 1987, the Schoharie Creek bridge located in up-state New York failed, killing ten persons. The probable cause of this tragedy was the undermining of the substructure by scour. As a result, the State of New Jersey and newspaper articles focused their attention on bridge inspection procedures and scouring affects within the state.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.