Introduction
Posted Feb 11, 2003 - 09:32 AM
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Project objectives, main phases and expected results.
Improving Assessment, Optimisation of Maintenance and Development of Database for Masonry Arch Bridges Research project of the International Union of Railways
Zoltán Orbán
Project Manager
MAV Hungarian Railways
E-mail: orbanz@witch.pmmf.hu
INTRODUCTION Masonry arch bridges form an integral part of the European railway infrastructure. They are the oldest structure types in the railway bridge population with thousands still in service.
In order that the railways accommodate increased axle loads, train speeds and a greater volume of freight traffic, it is necessary to assess the load carrying capacity of existing masonry arch bridges. Assessment of masonry arch bridges is difficult as there is little knowledge or experience of design of these structures to modern standards, and much of the structure is hidden from view.
To provide confidence in the assessment result, reliable input parameters are required for the calculations. Accordingly effective inspection and measuring methods to establish the parameters are necessary. Several investigation procedures have been implemented in recent years for masonry arch bridges. As well as predominantly visual inspection and destructive testing there is a tendency towards using non-destructive testing techniques as much as possible.
The current condition of masonry arch bridges varies from good to very bad, although statistics show that there are a relatively large number of bridges in a medium or bad condition with a tendency for accelerated deterioration. Accordingly there is a potential doubt as to the adequacy of masonry bridges to withstand increased axle loads, train speeds and a greater volume of freight traffic.
Contrary to doubts masonry arch bridges are proving durability with life-cycle costs significantly more economical than for the majority of other structure types. In addition, they belong to the civil engineering heritage of the railways, and their substitution or refurbishment requires careful consideration with maintenance strategies adopted to promote solutions that preserve and restore these structures instead of their replacement. BACKGROUND A study group was set up in 2002 by the International Union of Railways (UIC) in order to establish information on the ‘state-of-the-art’ of masonry arch railway bridges. The work was initiated by the Hungarian Railways and during the preparatory stage 13 more railway organisations joined the project. Currently the following railway administrations are involved in the project: MAV /Hungary, task leader/, DB /Germany/, SNCF /France/, NR /UK/, ÖBB /Austria/, SBB /Switzerland/, JBV /Norway/, CD /Czech Republic/, REFER /Portugal/, RENFE /Spain/, RFI /Italy/, JapanRail-RTRI /Japan/, PKP /Poland/, IR /India/.
OBJECTIVES The principle objective of the project is to collect and develop tools that help optimising the life-cycle management of masonry arch bridges, help reducing the maintenance costs and promote an effective exchange of good practice between the railways.
The project is also aimed at:
◊ Disseminating the best practice and enhancing the propensity to turn masonry arch bridge related research into useful and commercially valuable innovations.
◊ Helping implement new technologies and innovations in order to reduce maintenance demands and expand the life-span of masonry arch bridges.
◊ Optimising maintenance processes through improved understanding of the structural behaviour, and through increased knowledge of current levels of safety and the effects of maintenance measures.
◊ Helping the life-cycle management of masonry bridges through effective policy making and by providing easy access to the appropriate information, literature, software and a problem-solving platform.
◊ Revising and extending the existing UIC Code 778-3R “Recommendations for the assessment of the load carrying capacity of existing masonry and mass-concrete arch bridges”.
PROJECT PHASES The project is divided into the following phases:
Phase one: State-of-the-Art Study (2002-2003)
The objective of the ’state-of-the-art’ phase of the project was to summarise tools, literature, guidelines, experience and the best practice of the railways in the field of masonry arch bridges. Questionnaires were drafted to establish and compare the different experiences and approaches of the railway administrations to the art of masonry arch bridge inspection, assessment and maintenance. The responses to the questionnaires and discussions at the symposia organised provided data to enable an overview on the masonry arch bridge stock on the European rail network to be made. Available documents and information on the subject have been summed up and fields have been identified where more attention should be focused in the future.
The results are summarised as follows:
◊ Statistics on the masonry arch railway bridge population
◊ Current practice of the railways with the assessment of arches
◊ Current practice of the railways with the inspection of arches
◊ Current practice of the railways with the maintenance and repair of arches
◊ Conclusions
Phase two: Development of tools (2004-2006)
The ‘State-of-the-Art Study’ has pointed to the necessity of further research. The objectives and tasks of the follow-up phase have been put together according to the conclusions of this preparatory phase.
The following work packages are identified:
◊ WP1: Development of assessment tools for masonry arch bridges
◊ WP2: Optimised inspection and monitoring of masonry arch bridges
◊ WP3: Optimised maintenance and life-cycle management of masonry arch bridges
◊ WP4: Information Database for masonry arch bridges
COLLABORATION Collaboration has been established with the 6th European Framework Program’s Sustainable Bridges Project. RESULTS AND DELIVERABLES As the project is still on going the deliverables are not yet fully available. |
