On the influence of corrosion on the load-carrying capacity of old riveted bridges

Abstract

Steel corrosion is one of the most dominant factors in the degradation of transport infrastructure. This article deals with the impact of the atmospheric corrosion of structural steel on the load-carrying capacity of old riveted bridge structures. A study on the impact of corrosion losses on the resistance and, thus, the load-carrying capacity of eight chosen bridge members with riveted I-sections from three different bridge substructures is presented. The load-carrying capacity calculation is carried out using modern procedures and on the basis of the diagnosed state of the structural elements. Within the analysis of the results, the need for long-term in situ corrosion measurements, as well as the need for regular inspections on the existing bridges are also discussed.