Design and Durability of Early 20Th Century Concrete Bridges in Scotland: A Review of Historic Test Data

Simeon Wilkie,Thomas Dyer

doi:10.1080/15583058.2020.1870776

Abstract

ABSTRACT The development of Portland cement and concrete in the 19th and 20th centuries revolutionised the construction industry, and provided a means of achieving architectural and structural feats that were previously impossible. While reinforced concrete bridges provided a means of simultaneously spanning vast distances and carrying significant loads, the material was little understood and designs reflected this. As a result, many early reinforced concrete structures suffer from significant durability issues and there is a growing requirement for their maintenance and repair, but the extent of the issue is unclear. As such, this review of historic test data intends to provide insight into previous reinforced concrete bridge design in Scotland, compare their design to current engineering codes, and discuss the implications for maintaining and preserving these unique examples of architectural heritage.

Highlights

Reinforced concrete bridges are a critical and essential part of civil infrastructure throughout the world.many of these structures were designed and built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the material was relatively new and little understood, and there were little or no standard design criteria
The calculations used in these standards require certain assumptions to be made about the initial chemical composition of the cement and these are based on the typical soluble silica and calcium oxide contents of Portland cement contemporary to the time of publication — not of the actual Portland cement being analysed
This is significant since the calcium content of Portland cement increased considerably over the first half of the 20th century (Halstead 1961)

Summary

Introduction

Reinforced concrete bridges are a critical and essential part of civil infrastructure throughout the world. Many of these structures were designed and built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the material was relatively new and little understood, and there were little or no standard design criteria. In 2018 highlighted the issue on a global scale and reinforced the need for routine monitoring. In Scotland, many early concrete bridges are considered to be unique examples of architectural heritage and, should be preserved where possible. Urquhart (2020) has identified 69 concrete bridges in Scotland built between 1880 and 1950, of which, 48% have been designated as listed buildings by Historic Environment In Scotland, many early concrete bridges are considered to be unique examples of architectural heritage and, should be preserved where possible. Urquhart (2020) has identified 69 concrete bridges in Scotland built between 1880 and 1950, of which, 48% have been designated as listed buildings by Historic Environment

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