What is the average lifespan of a bridge

Recently, there has been a slightly positive trend in addressing the maintenance of structurally deficient bridges. However, progress is not universal because states face different challenges when it comes to maintaining, repairing, and replacing bridges.

When it comes to urban locations, the major factor to watch out for is a higher traffic volume. The combination of a heavier load and volume further leads to the wear of the bridge.

There are various ways for builders to slow this process down such as galvanization and other special treatments. Unfortunately, it is because of this that rural bridges are typically not designed to withstand the growing numbers and weight of traffic and freight trucks.

However, more and more bridges in rural communities are experiencing rapid deterioration without the proper care and maintenance to last. Bridges that are located in coastal environments face unique challenges due to their location. Bridges in marine environments often experience corrosion-induced damage due to high sea salt and humidity.

In addition, strength loss in the splash and the tidal zone is more common and significant than in the atmospheric zone. An example of the distinct problems faced by coastal bridges is illustrated by the Morandi Bridge in Italy.

In , this cable-stayed bridge suddenly collapsed causing the death of 43 individuals. The collapse was reported as the fault of a weakened cable that deteriorated from corrosion. The degradation was caused by atmospheric agents and the proximity of the marine environment eroded the structure and integrity of the bridge. Recently, 7. The plan is that the overall lifespan of a bridge should increase over time as more techniques, treatments, and designs are discovered in the future.

Are you looking for an experienced industry leader company to assist with your building projects? Here at U. To learn more about our bridge engineering and manufacturing, contact us for a quote or to answer any questions. Or start building your scope and bridge with our new interactive tool the Bridge Scope. Materials One of the most obvious factors that contribute to the lifespan and eventual structural deficits of a bridge is the material. Steel Steel is a popular construction material due to its flexible and durable nature.

Concrete Another commonly utilized material is concrete. Timber Timber, which is used for short-span and rural areas or pedestrian bridges is estimated to last only 20—30 years. The average lifespan of a bridge is about 70 years. And requires no maintenance? They definitely require routine maintenance and inspection. The Nondestructive Testing article I linked to in another comment said "significant environmental damage requiring repair typically occurs before the average bridge reaches mid-life.

SamUK96 on Aug 14, prev next [—]. It would be very interesting to know how bridge metrics length, load specification, etc. It also greatly reduces cracking, which diminishes the penetration of aggressive agents into the concrete, such as chlorides from the de-icing salts used on roads. As a result, it takes considerably more time for the chlorides to reach the steel reinforcement, initiate corrosion, and induce further damage to the structure.

The key difference is in the sand -- lightweight porous shale fine aggregate, which replaces about a quarter of the normal sand used to make concrete.

This porous sand can hold up to 20 percent of its own weight of water, which serves to cure the concrete uniformly from the inside, thus preventing self-desiccation. With a unit cost only 5 percent higher than that of a standard high-strength concrete, Dr. Cusson expects concrete bridge decks made with this new concrete to last longer, saving taxpayers money in annual bridge maintenance, recurring repairs and associated traffic disruption, and replacement.

Currently, this new self-curing high performance concrete is being put to the test at the NRC outdoor slab testing facility, where its mechanical performance and corrosion resistance are being monitored with embedded instrumentation and periodic non-destructive testing.