Technical Conditions Survey of Simple-Support Bridges in a Severe Cold Region in Northeast China

Background: Based on the routine inspection of 637 simple-support bridges in a severe cold region in northeast China, the technical condition data were collected and analyzed according to China’s bridge condition evaluation code. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that the appraisal rating of the bridges decreases with service time gradually. For bridges with a service life of 3-5years, 7 years and more than 15 years, the proportion of rating of “poor condition” is 14%, 22% and 43%, respectively. Besides, the inspection results show that cracking, concrete scaling, and corrosion of reinforcement are the major damage types of the bridges, and the freeze-thaw and salt induced corrosion are the main deterioration causes. It is recommended based on the inspection results that timely drainage of water is very important in reducing bridge damages in severe cold regions. Meanwhile, protective measures of durability should be specially considered in the design and construction stages.