Performance of Concrete Segmental And Cable-Stayed Bridges in Europe


Contemporary prestressed concrete segmental and cable-stayed bridges began

being built in Europe in the 1950s. The technology was later imported to the

United States. On average, European structures are a decade or two older than

similar ones in the United States. The purpose of the scan was to evaluate and

learn from European experience with bridges of long service life, in order to

identify durability and needs for maintenance, repair, retrofit, or replacement. The

scan team visited four countries: Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and France.

Representatives from Norway and the United Kingdom met with the team in

Denmark and France, respectively. The team also shared current U.S. practice,

experience, and research with European counterparts. The goal was also to develop

and promote mutual understanding of the technology, maintenance needs, and

durability of these structures.





OBJECTIVES

The main purpose of the scanning activity was to evaluate the European inventory

of these bridge structures, which have a longer in-service history than similar ones

in the United States. Researchers can then determine what problems have

surfaced with respect to accessibility for inspection, maintenance, repair and

retrofit, long-term durability, demolition, and replaceability. The scanning team set

out to determine what solutions have been used and which ones were effective in

resolving problems that have arisen. This research will indicate what problems

may be anticipated and what technologies might be imported into the United

States to solve similar problems that have or may occur in the U.S. inventory of

these types of structures.


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