Abstract
There are forty weathering steel bridges in service in Idaho as of August 1995, and more are planned for construction in the near future. Although problems with corrosion have been reported nationwide in the past, there is the potential for financial savings in the construction and maintenance of the unpainted weathering steel bridges if good, long range performance can be attained. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) conducted a study of a representative group of twelve weathering steel bridges to determine their present condition, including corrosion effects. The objective was to initiate any potential necessary changes in the design, construction and maintenance of the weathering steel bridges that are now in the planning stage. This paper will review the findings of the investigation and provide plate thickness measurements data, obtained by nondestructive testing (NDT), using ultrasonic gage. It has been observed that weathering steels develop a protective oxide coating which shields the underlying steel base from corrosion when certain conditions are met. The unpainted weathering steel on the inspected twelve Idaho bridges is found to be performing well. The continued use of weathering steel bridges in Idaho is recommended.
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