ABSTRACT
Over the life cycle of a road bridge, traffic flow over time can exceed initial predictions, sometimes due to new code allowances. This extra traffic can compromise bridge integrity over time and decrease its service life. The aim of this work is to quantify the extra funds necessary for maintenance interventions over a given time interval to preserve the original lifespan of prestressed reinforced concrete (PRC) bridges. The method begins with the evaluation of the reduction in bridge service life due to increasing fatigue loads. Subsequently, the total sufficiency rating (TSR) parameter is used to estimate the decay of bridge health over its lifespan. Those variables are then translated into an estimate of the funds required for further maintenance interventions over the time period considered. This method will be a useful tool for bridge maintenance managers for estimating maintenance costs.
