Investigation into development of deterioration curves and prediction models for concrete bridge decks in Ontario.

Abstract

The deterioration of highway structures in Ontario due to the use of de-icing salts during winter maintenance operations has resulted in costly rehabilitations or replacements of structures in as little as 15 years after the time of construction. The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario presently has jurisdiction over approximately 3,200 of the bridges in Ontario. Approximately one third have been rehabilitated in the last decade. The approximate cost, of these rehabilitation projects varied from a high of $68 million in 1982 to a low of \$36 million in 1983 and $550 million in the last decade (amounts in 1990 dollars). This study can help the Ontario Ministry of Transportation make better decisions on the prioritization of bridge deck rehabilitations. The programs presently in place at the Ministry are effective in attempting to address the ever growing problem of deterioration of Ontario bridge decks. The Bridge Management Section has adopted a benefit/cost analysis to ensure that budgets for rehabilitating structures are effectively spent, as provincial funding for rehabilitations is not adequate to repair all deteriorated structures. Nevertheless, some method of prioritization must be utilized which considers both the level of deterioration of the bridge deck and the money available for rehabilitations. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)