Inspection and evaluation strategy for uncoated weathering steel bridges

Abstract

Uncoated weathering steel can significantly reduce the life cycle cost of bridges and the difficulty of maintenance during operation. However, weathering steel is not a maintenance-free material. Design and construction errors, topography, de-icing salt and other factors are likely to cause severe corrosion of weathering steel. Therefore, effective inspection and maintenance planning is essential to ensure that weathering steel bridges can reach expected service life. Weathering steel bridges must be regularly inspected to check the corrosion of weathering steel in important parts, and evaluations shall be made to develop maintenance plans. Previous investigations show that the appearance of weathering steel’s rust layer can effectively judge its stability. Therefore, the corrosion condition of weathering steel can be judged by different rating of the appearance of the rust layer. Meanwhile, corresponding maintenance measures will be formulated.