BRIME - Bridge Management in Europe
Overview
Background & policy context:
Europe has a large capital investment in the road network including bridges, which are the most vulnerable element. As bridges age, deterioration caused by heavy traffic and an aggressive environment becomes increasingly significant, resulting in a higher frequency of repairs and possibly a reduced load carrying capacity.
Deterioration is exacerbated because many modern structures are more prone to chemical degradation than their forerunners. The effects of alkali silica reaction, chloride ingress and carbonation exacerbated by low cover and poor quality materials are causing progressive deterioration of the bridge stock.
The direct cost of the engineering work necessary to maintain a satisfactory road network is high. However, indirect costs due to the resulting traffic congestion and disruption can be much higher and cause a severe economic penalty particularly on the increasing number of roads where traffic flows are reaching saturation
Objectives:
The overall objective of the project will be to develop a framework for
the management of bridges on the European road network and identify the
inputs required to implement such a system. This project will look at the
various modules required to enable the bridge stock to be managed, review
the current state-of-the-art and produce an outline framework for
management of the bridge stock.
Methodology:
The task will be achieved by examining the various inputs required for a bridge management system, covering the, condition, load carrying capacity, and the rate of deterioration.
In addition, the mechanisms by which decisions are reached will be examined by:
- the most appropriate action for a sub-standard or deteriorated structure i.e. whether it should be repaired, strengthened or replaced;
- mechanisms for prioritising bridges in terms of their need for repair, rehabilitation or improvement.
To achieve the aim, the project will involve:
- classification of the condition of a structure;
- assessing the load carrying capacity of existing bridges, including the use of risk based methods;
- modelling of deteriorated structures and effect of deterioration on load carrying capacity;
- modelling of deterioration rates;
- deciding whether a sub-standard or deteriorated structure should be repaired, strengthened or replaced;
- prioritising bridges in terms of their need or repair, rehabilitation or improvement;
- review of systems for bridge management and development of a framework for a bridge management system.
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