Short Note On Distressed bridges

Distressed Bridge:- A distress bridge is one which show any physical sign of deterioration of its physical condition, indicating the needs for rehabilitation through special repairs, strengthening or rebuilding (including replacement of girders) 

1. The DEN/Sr. DEN, while including a bridge in the distressed bridge list should also indicate the priority classification depending on nature and severity of distress as detailed below:- 

(a) Category I should include those bridges where the distress is such that the rehabilitation work is required to be taken up immediately. 

(b) Category should include all those bridges which do not fall in category I. They may be taken up for rehabilitation on a program bases.

Inspection of distress bridge should be carried out as under:

2. Imposition of speed restriction: All distress bridge may not require speed restriction. It is not possible to lay down definite guideline for imposing speed restriction on Distress Bridge. Each case have to judge and decided on its merits by the inspecting officer, keeping in view the nature and severity of distress. However, for general guidelines speed restriction up to maximum of 15 Kmph is suggested for distressed bridge in group I and 25 to 50 Kmph for distressed bridge in group II.