INSPECTION AND EVALUATION OF A HIGHWAY BRIDGE ON ACTIVE SERVICE

A number of bridges in distress remain in service in China. It is necessary to completely inspect and evaluate the bridges to prevent potential dangers and avoid further damages. This paper introduces the detection and evaluation results of a highway bridge using nondestructive test methods according to the corresponding specification. The visual examination was firstly carried out to obtain the appearance of the whole bridge. The end-span prestressed concrete hollow slabs were selected to check with instruments. The systematic judgment was derived based on the test results of the rebound strength of concrete, carbonation depth of concrete, rebar corrosion, concrete cover of prestressed bar and cracks appearing at bottom surface of the slabs. It provides a basis for repairing the bridge and can be used as a reference for evaluation of the same kind of bridges.