ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Most stone arch bridges in Korea are older structures and are becoming short of safety. This lack in safety is a result of natural deterioration, of the materials used in construction, and of earlier design consideration that no longer accommodate the speed, dimensions, loads, and volume of modern traffic demands. However, the older bridges must be evaluated for historic significance in addition to safety to advocate for the preservation of our cultural and engineering landmarks-monuments to the people and communities. Therefore, engineers must balance preservation principles demanding authenticity of materials and visual characteristics with code requiring safety, strength and stability and historic significance for the maintenance of historic bridges. In order to enable bridge owners to weigh many factors in deciding to maintain, repair, or replace, a method of assessing the physical condition of the bridge and its historic significance. This paper focuses on issues of how to assess historic significance by considering the information about our cultural heritage including architectural uniqueness, innovations in engineering, and evolution of the transportation system.
