ABSTRACT
Bridge decks are considered one of the simplest elements of the bridge structural system but the deck is one of the most complex elements to confirm structural performance. The current reinforced concrete bridge deck practice is strongly based on bridge standards, codes of practice and guides to set the design and construction requirements. Through time community and businesses will require increased freight demands which in turn will require higher bridge standards. Each Road Controlling Authority is tasked with confirming their bridge stock can carry the higher freight demands, usually increased truck loads and/or truck trip numbers. There are well tried and accepted methods for assessing the structural adequacy of a bridge with increased load, these typically assess strength, serviceability and durability requirements. Accepting the higher freight demands with increased numbers of heavy vehicles using the network increases the potential for bridge fatigue considerations, with the deck being the most at risk element.
The author has over 30 years experience with monitoring reinforced concrete decks susceptible to fatigue. Through this experience various methods for identifying and managing bridge deck fatigue have been used with the aim to improve risk decision making and cost effectiveness of the deck fatigue management.
This paper provides an overview of reinforced concrete bridge deck fatigue showing two types, presents a design office model for determining deck fatigue potential and identifies decks more likely to be at risk to deck fatigue. An asset management approach to collecting bridge information, using a Structural Health Monitoring methodology, to inform bridge management decision making for bridges experiencing bridge deck fatigue in benign environments is presented. A proactive preventive management of reinforced concrete bridge deck fatigue risk is suggested to meet community expectations for a reliable network. The paper presents a case study to show the benefits of the proactive preventive bridge management approach.
