Crack Survey in Unreinforced Concrete or Masonry Abutments in Short- and Medium-Span Bridges

Abstract

One of the most important tasks of a civil engineer as a bridge inspector is the structural assessment of cracks on bridge decks and their supporting structure. Although the work seems to have low value, the financial impacts on the bridge owners of getting it wrong can be significant. This paper summarizes what every civil engineer working as a bridge designer or inspector should know about undertaking and interpreting crack surveys in typical unreinforced concrete or masonry abutments in short- and medium-span bridges. A methodology is introduced that may be used to increase the validity and reliability of all decisions concerning the crack significance and associated remedial works.