Visual evaluation and remaining service life assessment of a reinforced concrete arch bridge: Cayirhan bridge

Remaining service life assessment of bridges are needed when the visual inspection results indicate that there is serious degradation of structural members due to aging leading to not functioning as originally designed. These inspections can include detailed visual inspection of elements including recording crack widths and patterns, under water inspection, truck load tests, and material tests. This paper focuses on the inspection methods and determination of the remaining service life of a 57 year old reinforced concrete arch bridge. Based on a certain deterioration rate, the remaining service life of the bridge was assessed. Structural evaluation of highway bridges is a major concern especially when the aging infrastructure generates anxiety on bridge owners and public. Presented bridge evaluation is an interesting example to standardize bridge evaluation process.