Risk of Collapse of Corroded Prestressed Concrete Bridges in a Marine Environment

Corrosion of ordinary and prestressed tendon reinforcement is the main deterioration mechanism in RC structures in a marine environment. This paper discusses a real case of a bridge in service in the port of Trapani (Italy) damaged by corrosion processes in steel bars, tendons, and piers of structural components (prestressed concrete beams, slabs, and piers). Destructive and nondestructive tests were carried out to establish the level of damage of the bridge. The results obtained highlight the necessity of strengthening the bridge against the risk of failure in service. Steel jacketing in foundation piers and an external posttensioning technique for prestressed concrete beams were two retrofitting techniques applied for improve the serviceability condition and the strength of a bridge, allowing it to be kept in service.