The role of drainage systems in the prevention of material degradation of bridge structures

Abstract

The paper gives an illustrative presentation of damage to the material of bridge structures due to failure to maintain the system for drainage of bridges. Damage is caused by mechanical erosion and abrasion or by chemical means, corrosion or a combination of the above. The cause of the damage is related to the retention of salted water on the road and other surfaces of the bridge structure, as well as wetting of the side and ceiling surfaces by flooding due to the non-functionality of the water drainage system from the bridge. The possibility of taking measures to prevent such phenomena and reduce them to a minimum is also considered.