Pathology and assessment of existing bridges

This dossier deals with the special case of equipment, support devices and protective elements.

Traditionally, the latter, such as the waterproofing screed, were included in equipment. The ITSEOA (Instruction Technique relative à la Surveillance et à l'Entretien des Ouvrages d'Art) of October 19, 1979, amended on December 26, 1995, changed this classification to take account of the role played by these various elements, as well as the responsibilities and guarantees they entail. Thus, by definition :

• the structure is the set of constituent parts of a bridge that receives loads and transmits them to the foundation soil. The bearings, which transmit the loads from the deck to the supports, are therefore part of the structure and are covered by the ten-year warranty;

• Protective elements include all ancillary devices designed to protect the structure against various aggressive agents (waterproofing, riprap, riprap, etc.). The waterproofing screed is subject to a specific warranty period (cf. title I of fascicule 67 of the CCTG);

• equipment are devices added for :

  • user comfort and safety (expansion joints, restraint systems, etc.),

  • surveillance and maintenance (inspection walkway, cage ladder, etc.),

  • aesthetics (cornices, etc.).

This article follows on from [C 7 402] , which describes the main problems encountered and their causes.

The next, [C 7 404] , deals with bridge testing methods.

The last, [C 7 405] , deals with the evaluation of existing structures.

Readers are also referred to the other series of articles on bridge...