Volume 25 Issue 4
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WANG Chun-sheng, WANG Yi-wei, ZHANG Jing-wen, DUAN Lan. In-situ testing and evaluation of rust layer stability in long lasting weathering steel bridges[J]. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 2025, 25(4): 161-178. doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2025.04.012
Citation: WANG Chun-sheng, WANG Yi-wei, ZHANG Jing-wen, DUAN Lan. In-situ testing and evaluation of rust layer stability in long lasting weathering steel bridges[J]. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, 2025, 25(4): 161-178. doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2025.04.012
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In-situ testing and evaluation of rust layer stability in long lasting weathering steel bridges

doi: 10.19818/j.cnki.1671-1637.2025.04.012

  • School of Highway, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710064, Shaanxi, China

Funds:

National Key R&D Program of China 2015CB057706

Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi Province 2019TD-022

Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, CHD 300102214904

More Information
  • Corresponding author: WANG Chun-sheng (1972-), male, professor, PhD, wcs2000wcs@163.com
  • Received Date: 2024-01-19
  • Accepted Date: 2025-03-21
  • Rev Recd Date: 2024-12-05
  • Publish Date: 2025-08-28
    Abstract
  • Based on the formation and damage mechanism of rust layers on weathering steel, the methods for detecting and evaluating the rust layer of weathering steel bridges were summarized. By taking three uncoated weathering steel bridges in China as engineering projects, in-situ tests of rust layers on structural details of typical bridge components were conducted using the visual inspection method and tape adhesion testing method. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses of the rust layer stability, the influence pattern of structural forms, climate, and environmental conditions on the formation of rust layer on weathering steel was clarified. The distribution characteristics and stability differences of the surface rust layer at various locations were analyzed. A technical condition evaluation model for assessing the rust layer stability of long-lasting weathering steel bridges was established, and the technical conditions of rust layer stability across the whole bridge were evaluated, with targeted maintenance and management measures for rust layers provided. The results indicate that the formation of rust layers on weathering steel is affected by various factors, including structural form, moisture, and exposure to light. The weathering steel bridge areas with sufficient sunlight exposure develop rust layers more rapidly and with excellent stability. Bridge areas with good ventilation and minimal water and dust accumulation form better rust layers compared to areas prone to water accumulation, dust accumulation, and poor ventilation. For weathering steel bridges in high-humidity and hot environments, well-ventilated and sun-exposed areas exhibit rapid and stable rust layer formation. The technical conditions of the rust layer stability of weathering steel can be classified into four grades (from 1 to 4) based on three evaluation indicators: the stability of the rust layer on the load-bearing structure, the technical conditions of ancillary bridge structures, and the environmental conditions to which the bridge is exposed. Based on a comprehensive evaluation, the technical condition of rust layer stability of Changxing No. 2 Bridge in Meixian County, Longfang Overpass Bridge of Huangyan Expressway, and Daguo Bridge of Zhamo Highway in Xizang was rated as Grade 2, Grade 2, and Grade 3, respectively. Stable and reliable rust layers on weathering steel are a technical guarantee for designing and utilizing long-lasting weathering steel bridges. The inspection method and evaluation index for rust layer stability of long-lasting weathering steel bridges can provide support for bridge structural design and rust layer maintenance, promoting the engineering application of long-lasting weathering steel bridges.

     

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