Sometimes a structure needs bridge rehabilitation and strengthening, with or without repair, whether it is an old and ageing bridge or there is a problem with the initial design. In this post, we discuss the significance of bridge repair and the consequences of crumbling bridges. Irrespective of how sturdy a construction is, nothing is made to survive forever without regular inspections and upkeep.
What does
bridge rehabilitation mean?
Bridge rehabilitation, according to its official definition, is "the partial restoration of an operational bridge to satisfy current design requirements and construction levels" or "a project that corrects a structure's degradation or enhances the geometrics or load-carrying capacity." Rehabilitating bridges is an example of maintaining infrastructure.
How important
is bridge rehabilitation?
First and foremost, a failing bridge will represent a serious safety danger if it is not repaired and strengthened. This is particularly true if the bridge is still being used by cars carrying heavy equipment and construction personnel. Second, one of the main goals of bridge rehabilitation is to restore a bridge's full functionality, as a bridge that has begun to deteriorate will no longer perform as it should.
The downsides of not doing bridge rehabilitation
- The bridge will be extremely unsafe;
- There may be a change in the efficiency rating;
- There will be expensive repairs;
- Depending on its function, it may sometimes close and lead to diversions or disruptions for employees, traffic, visitors, etc.;
- There will be a risk to historical value;
- structural veracity could be slightly compromised;
- Aesthetic value won't be preserved;
- In rarer circumstances, the bridge may entirely or partially collapse.
An essential component of Roads operations is bridge maintenance and restoration. Bridge engineers are kept informed through frequent condition evaluations of the bridges, which also serve as a basis for planning repair actions.
Why is no one
working despite the bridge's lane closures?
In order to restore a bridge, deteriorating concrete must be removed and replaced with fresh concrete. The fresh concrete needs to cure with the least amount of vibration feasible in order to achieve strength. If a lane is closed on a bridge but nobody is working, that means we are trying to reduce traffic vibration while the concrete cures.
Bridge degradation can be controlled by doing both routine and preventative forms of maintenance.An overview of the health of the bridge is provided by thorough studies and testing, enabling the planning of significant restoration work in advance.
