THE BEHAVIOUR IN SERVICE OF AN EXPERIMENTAL ALUMINIUM BRIDGE

THIS PAPER CONCERNS THE FIRST HIGHWAY BRIDGE IN ALUMINIUM, CONSTRUCTED IN 1964, IN THE MOSCOW REGION. IT IS 34 M LONG, IS COMPOSED OF FOUR BEAM TRUSSES WITH A DECK MADE OF KERAMSITE CONCRETE (EXPANDED CLAY AGGREGATE). DETERIORATION OBSERVED IN 1969, 1971, AND 1975 IS BRIEFLY DESCRIBED; THIS ESSENTIALLY CONCERNS CORROSION IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE STRUCTURE ARISING FROM FAULTS IN DRAINAGE AND PERMEABILITY. THE USE OF A PROTECTIVE PAINT FOR ALUMINIUM ALLOYS IS RECOMMENDED.