Coastal bridges and the 120 Life Span - the Rio-Antirio case study

• Published in: International journal of structural integrity Vol. 1; no. 2; pp. 173 - 183
• Main Author: Apostolopoulos, Ch. Alk
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bingley Emerald Group Publishing Limited 28-05-2010
• Subjects: Bridges; Cathodic protection; Cement; Earthquakes; Engineering research; Environmental conditions; Highway construction; Mechanical properties; Moisture content; Preventive maintenance; Seismic engineering; Bridges; Cathodic protection; Greece; Maintenance; Construction engineering
• ISSN: 1757-9864; 1757-9872
• DOI: 10.1108/17579861011053907

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the uncertainties related to durability prediction of coastal bridges.Design methodology approach - The paper describes the problems encountered with the Rio-Antric bridge in Greece.Findings - Even the most accurate models, especially those traditionally employed, fail to provide secure estimates, cases which create serious questions about suggested life spans. Local conditions, large-scale effects, construction practise, dynamic phenomena, etc. create such a complex web of parameters able to negate even the most conservative estimates. As such, cathodic protection systems should be employed in every coastal structure as a defence measure.Originality value - The paper offers a typical example of how far engineering, material science and construction practise has to go to guarantee that any designed life is accurately met.