Abstract
State transportation agencies use cost-effective preventive maintenance (PM) programs to preserve existing roadway systems, slow down their deterioration, and improve their functional condition. Currently, KYTC’s bridge inventory includes approximately 10,000 structures, and by 2018, most of these structures will have been in use for at least 50 years. Because there is insufficient funding available to pursue a large-scale bridge replacement program, it is critical for the Cabinet to prolong the lives of its bridges by using economical strategies. This report provides guidance that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) can use to develop and implement a statewide bridge PM program. Drawing from previous Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) research studies and interviews with other state transportation agencies, the report describes eight bridge PM activities that KYTC can leverage to maintain and enhance its current portfolio of bridges. It provides technical overviews of each activity. These activities include: 1) resealing and repairing joints; 2) cleaning and sealing bearings; 3) bridge washing; 4) sealing decks; 5) spot painting; 6) patching bridge decks; 7) cleaning and painting pier caps and abutments; and 8) scour, drift, sediment, and bank stabilization. KYTC would benefit from incorporating PM activities into a holistic bridge preservation program to extend the service lives of its bridges.
Report Date
3-2017
Report Number
KTC-16-22/SPR15-504-1F
Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.13023/KTC.RR.2016.22
Repository Citation
Wells, Danny; Meade, Bobby W.; Hopwood, Theodore II; and Palle, Sudhir, "A Programmatic Approach to Long-Term Bridge Preventive Maintenance" (2017). Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report. 1569.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ktc_researchreports/1569
Notes
The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the United States Department of Transportation, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The inclusion of manufacturer names or trade names is for identification purposes and should not be considered an endorsement.
© 2017 University of Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Center
Information may not be used, reproduced, or republished without KTC’s written consent.