A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
21.10: Upgrading of a riveted railway bridge: Retrofitting of corroded plate girder steelwork
The long service of railway bridges results in natural ageing and degradation which weakens the structures if they are not maintained regularly. Poor funding and prolonged service without regular repair may result in severe corrosion damage and lower structural capacity. Older structures also feature some structural solutions which have made them prone to corrosion. However, prolonged service combined with no regular painting and a harsh environment are the major reasons for corrosion resulting in the loss of a section which should be repaired accordingly.
Plate girder spans on a railway bridge were retrofitted when severe corrosion to the steelwork was discovered. The corrosion was more evident in the four oldest spans with the longest lifespan. The top flanges of the spans as well as bracing members and many rivet heads showed damage with different corrosion rates. The corrosion was uniform with local deep pitting. There was also crevice corrosion between the flange plates near the vertical stiffeners. The damaged flange plates were replaced with new thicker plates, along with the corroded bracing elements. Pretension bolts were used for the new connections. The spans were also upgraded and new cantilevers and centring shims were welded on the steelwork. Despite the corrosion losses, the plate girders were retrofitted, giving the bridge further decades of operation.
21.10: Upgrading of a riveted railway bridge: Retrofitting of corroded plate girder steelwork
The long service of railway bridges results in natural ageing and degradation which weakens the structures if they are not maintained regularly. Poor funding and prolonged service without regular repair may result in severe corrosion damage and lower structural capacity. Older structures also feature some structural solutions which have made them prone to corrosion. However, prolonged service combined with no regular painting and a harsh environment are the major reasons for corrosion resulting in the loss of a section which should be repaired accordingly.
Plate girder spans on a railway bridge were retrofitted when severe corrosion to the steelwork was discovered. The corrosion was more evident in the four oldest spans with the longest lifespan. The top flanges of the spans as well as bracing members and many rivet heads showed damage with different corrosion rates. The corrosion was uniform with local deep pitting. There was also crevice corrosion between the flange plates near the vertical stiffeners. The damaged flange plates were replaced with new thicker plates, along with the corroded bracing elements. Pretension bolts were used for the new connections. The spans were also upgraded and new cantilevers and centring shims were welded on the steelwork. Despite the corrosion losses, the plate girders were retrofitted, giving the bridge further decades of operation.
21.10: Upgrading of a riveted railway bridge: Retrofitting of corroded plate girder steelwork
Hołowaty, Janusz (author)
ce/papers ; 1 ; 4579-4586
2017-09-01
8 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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