Resumen de Concrete Bridge Design and Construction series No. 10: Concrete bridge detailing

The Concrete Bridge Development Group

• This latest article from the CBDG examines the detailing that is particular to a concrete bridge. All details need to consider buildability, durability and maintainability, as well as safety and aesthetic issues1,2.

  The weather is the main source of concern for most external details, with water, often laden with salt, able to reach almost everywhere. Every surface must therefore be detailed on the basis that it will get wet — this requires a positive drainage and drip system for all near-horizontal surfaces. To protect details within the concrete, the characteristics of the concrete must be specifi ed, and this will depend on particular site conditions. Working to these specifi cations will ensure that the concrete is best suited to its location, in order to provide a low-maintenance working life.