Assessment of a bridge in Ensenada, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

Abstract

The bridge over the mouth of Villa Elisa cannel, in the city of Punta Lara (Ensenada district, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) was built during the 70´s decade and is located on the margin of Río de La Plata in an area surrounded by wetlands and subtropical forest included in the Province Natural Reserve "Selva Marginal". It is subjected to intense traffic, especially during the weekends because it is an area used for fishing, hiking and camping, along with weather factors like storms and river flooding. Therefore, its maintenance status is assessed after 50 years in service, so visual and photographic inspections were performed, carbonation profile was measured, and concrete samples were obtained for water absorption and compression resistance. Agents of biological deterioration were registered, too Contact water was also sampled to test pH, conductivity, hardness, sulphate and chloride in order to assess the environmental conditions and its potential aggressiveness towards concrete. With these data, the remaining life cycle is assessed in order to recommend actions to improve it and increase the sustainability of the concrete.