Handbook for Bridge Inspections - TSP2

9.2 CONCRETE ELEMENTS
205 Ruptures of Concrete Element
Description
Extensive damage to the whole or part of a bridge element, c.g. cracks or areas of broken orf concretc.
Cause of Damage
* Design fault - attention has not been paid to concentrated loads; there is little room for
expanSion.
* Construction fau lt - post-tensioning before the concrete had achieved its prescribed fi rmness can
lead to rupture.
* Insufficient day-to day maintenance.
* Impacts from traffic, ground pressure and the li ke.
* Accidents - e.g. traffic impacts.
* In-service damage - e.g. secondary damage.
Degree of Damage/ Conseq uences
The degree of damage should be assessed based on its location, size and probable development. A
high degree of damage shou ld be allocated to load bearing elements.
For load bearing elements, ruptures will affect the carrying capacity. Regarding non-load bearing
elements, a rupture may affect traffic safety, future maintenance costs and/or the environment.
Conditions which trigger Maintenance
Immediate acti on must be taken if the bridge's canying capacity is to low or traffic safety has been
reduced.
If the damage has affected maintenance costs, acti on should be taken before other damage leading
to increased maintenance costs develops.
Procedures
* Mechanical repairs
* Replacement
* Strengthening.
160 Handbook for Bridge Inspect ions