Visual inspection and non-destructive tests-based rating method for concrete bridges

Abstract

Remediation of concrete bridges is an essential requirement of any country. Objectives of this study are to develop a novel condition rating method for existing concrete bridges and to validate the method by assessing condition of bridges. Condition of 18 concrete bridges was assessed from Bentota to Matara, Southern Province in Sri Lanka. Non-destructive tests (NDT) were used to assess the condition of concrete bridges. Standard eigenvectors were obtained from comparison matrices which were developed by using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the priority weight of each data. Element condition index (ECI) of all elements was separately calculated and overall bridge condition index (OBCI) was determined with adding element significant factor (ESF), element construction type factor (ECTF) and causal factor (CF). Finally, bridge soundness score (BSS) was determined and was used to conclude bridge remediation plan. The proposed method has the ability to rate the overall bridge condition and decide suitable remediation.