INVESTIGATION OF ADHERED BRIDGE MATTER AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF WASHING TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

  The effective washing of bridges unquestionably extends operating life for bridges. This practice of adopting bridge washing techniques has been practiced within the U.S.A. for considerable time; however, few data currently exists pertaining to adhered material found on bridges, respective washing methods regarding such, and quantitative data concerning the results. Therefore, in an effort to achieve greater understanding of the aforementioned for bridges in cold areas where anti-icing measures are the norm and where vast snow accumulates, we have performed investigations on test pieces regarding the removal of staining and salt adhesion, on bridge life extension effects, and on bridge washing techniques. As a result of our experiments, it was determined that the top surface of the lower flange encountered considerable staining and salt adhesion. By employing simple moveable scaffolding we were able, via washing, to effectively remove the staining and salt adhesion. Moreover, by adopting improvements in waste water collection and the actual washing techniques, we were able to satisfy waste water regulations, confirm bridge life extension merits, and confirm the practical application of bridge washing techniques is possible.