Coastal bridges and the 120 Life Span – the Rio‐Antirio case study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the uncertainties related to durability prediction of coastal bridges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the problems encountered with the Rio‐Antric bridge in Greece.

Findings

Even the most accurate models, especially those traditionally employed, fail to provide secure estimates, cases which create serious questions about suggested life spans. Local conditions, large‐scale effects, construction practise, dynamic phenomena, etc. create such a complex web of parameters able to negate even the most conservative estimates. As such, cathodic protection systems should be employed in every coastal structure as a defence measure.

Originality/value

The paper offers a typical example of how far engineering, material science and construction practise has to go to guarantee that any designed life is accurately met.

Citation

Apostolopoulos, C.A. (2010), "Coastal bridges and the 120 Life Span – the Rio‐Antirio case study", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 173-183. https://doi.org/10.1108/17579861011053907