Extension of service lifetime of bridge structures in sub-tropical climates

Abstract

This study is sub-divided into six chapters. The first chapters are general chapters exploring problems and different maintenance and repair aspects related to structures in concrete, steel or masonry. Measures to be taken during the design stages of bridge structures are also briefly analysed, as well as problems which may be encountered during the execution of the structure construction. Measures which lessen the probabilities of bridge failure are also looked into. The study considers a number or literature sources from different countries (mainly UK, USA and Germany) relating to bridge management systems in different countries. In Malta we do not have a constant maintenance programme for bridge structures even though we have quite a number of bridges on this small island. A number of such structures in Malta are in a bad state of repair. A chapter focusing on the bridges in Malta follows. The structures on the Maltese networks are analysed through a number of basic visual inspections. An inventory of the existing bridge structures in Malta is also presented. Existing data of the existing structures is compiled in the inventory.