Page 73 - Bridge and Highway Structure Rehabilitation and Repair

48 SECTION 1 ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

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Figure 2.8 The pre-reconstruction planning and design process.

2.2.5 Simplified Structural Options (5 Rs, Widening, or Demolish)
1. A well-maintained bridge is the goal of the engineer. To a certain extent, choice for the type
of maintenance is between the five Rs, namely:

Repair, Retrofit, Restore, Rehabilitate, or Replace, with further option to widen (Figure 2.9)
or demolish.
Unlike the design tasks, the scope of maintenance work is varied.
2. The rehabilitation of highway structures other than bridges is also considered equally im-
portant. These include bridge approaches, sign structures, railings, parapets, fences, noise
barriers, and culverts, and each is a subject in itself.

2.2.6 Basic Maintenance Activities
1. Keeping bridges in perfect condition involves both diagnostic design and selective recon-
struction. Design related activities are based on:
• NBIS inspections
• Interpretation of data
• Selection of repair and rehabilitation methods
• Analysis
• Computer aided design
• Application of AASHTO and state codes of practice.