Steel buried structures: condition of Ontario structures and review of deterioration mechanisms and rehabilitation approaches

Abstract

Buried steel structures, commonly referred to as buried bridges, culverts, or soil–steel structures are a valuable bridge crossing solution. Owners manage their bridge assets by evaluating their condition and rehabilitating as required. Ontario’s resources for managing and rehabilitating buried steel bridge structures are limited, and an investigation into the maintenance and rehabilitation practice of Ontario’s assets demonstrates a lag in their maintenance and rehabilitation. Knowledge regarding rehabilitation of these structures is dispersed and unconcise, leaving owners challenged to understanding how to best manage and rehabilitate their assets. This paper investigates the age, condition, and rehabilitation of steel buried bridges in Ontario and reviews the commonly encountered deterioration and distress mechanisms along with the state-of-the-art rehabilitation practices. With an understanding of structural behavior, deterioration, and rehabilitation opportunities for structures nearing the end of their service lives, owners will be better equipped to effectively manage their inventory and leverage the economic, social, and environmental value of buried structures.