Capacity Loss Due to Corrosion in Steel‐Girder Bridges

Abstract

A corrosion damage model is developed for steel girder bridges. The bridge load‐carrying capacity is determined with regard to bending, shear, and bearing. The capacity loss depends on the location and rate of corrosion. The evaluation is demonstrated on two typical steel bridges in an aggressive environment. Results indicate that the governing criteria may change over time. This change is dependent on the relative thicknesses of the girder web and flange. The web in shear and bearing is shown to be typically the critical element, particularly for shorter span bridges with no bearing stiffeners.