Evaluation of RCC bridge and present practices of bridge management system

Abstract

A rational bridge management requires a good knowledge of actual loads. load distribution, load effects and structural conditions. Therefore evaluation of existing structure is extremely important. Efficient management of bridges will depend oven more on reliable data on loads and resistance. Accuracy of bridge evaluation can be improved by using recent developments in bridge diagnostics, structural tests, material tests, and structural analysis. Advanced diagnostic procedures can be applied for evaluation of current capacity of the structure, monitoring ofload, and resistance history and evaluation of accumulated damage. Field-testing can reveal the hidden strength reserve and thus verify the adequacy of the bridge. Present situation indicates the need not only for improved repair and rehabilitation techniques but also for a comprehensive approach to bridge management. A key activity in this part of the paper will be a survey of the current state of the art in bridge management system in respect of in-service Kharkhai Bridge at Jamshedpur.