Concrete bridges effecting on durability and safety

Bridge structures are particular building objects because of the importance of such facilities in the national economy and multiplicity of factors that need to be considered in design and construction. These factors affect on durability and operation of bridges.The article considers bridges that are part of highways. As these structures are operated in open environment, exposed on atmospheric conditions the special treatment in design and during construction and operational – maintenance periods is required. This paper describes the author’s experience in the scope of factors affecting on the safety, durability of bridge structures related to design, execution and operation. The paper also includes the review of most popular types of reinforced concrete bridge structures currently implemented in Poland.
SELECTED ASPECTS OF DESIGN, EXECUTION AND OPERATION
OF TYPICAL REINFORCED CONCRETE BRIDGE STRUCTURES HAVING
AN IMPACT ON THE DURABILITY AND SAFETY OF THE STRUCTURE.
Bridge structures are special building structures due to the importance of this type of facility in the national economy and, from the point of view of design and construction, due to the multitude of factors that adversely affect their durability and operation. The article analyzes bridge structures that are part of expressways and motorways. Since these structures are operated in open terrain, they are exposed to adverse atmospheric factors, which affects their operation. This requires special treatment of bridges during the design stage, maintaining technological regimes during construction, and consistent and precise service and maintenance activities during operation. The subject of this article is the author’s experience regarding factors affecting the safety and durability of bridge structures related to their design, construction, and operation. A review of the most interesting types of bridge structures currently being implemented in Poland was carried out. (…)

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