Introduction. Testing drainage systems on bridges is a critically important step in ensuring their durability, safety, and reliability. These tests are necessary to prevent damage to the bridge structure that can be caused by excessive moisture, corrosion, and freezing water. The bridge deck is constantly exposed to atmospheric precipitation in the form of rain and snow. If the drainage system does not function properly, water will accumulate on the roadway, creating additional stress on the pavement and waterproofing layer. This can lead to rapid deterioration, cracks, and potholes. Tests ensure that all water is effectively collected and drained.
Metal bridge elements, such as reinforcement, beams, and support structures, are susceptible to corrosion, which is exacerbated by water, salt, and chemical reagents used in winter to avoid ice. Proper drainage minimizes metal contact with aggressive environments, significantly extending the life of the structure. Water that is not drained from the bridge surface contributes to increased aquaplaning, especially during heavy rain. This significantly increases the risk of road accidents. Testing helps to identify and eliminate areas where water stagnates, ensuring safe conditions for traffic.
Tests, including downpour tests or leak tests, can reveal defects that cannot be seen visually: clogged drain pipes, cracks in the waterproofing, or incorrect road surface slope. This allows problems to be quickly eliminated before they cause serious damage. Regular testing and timely repair of the drainage system is significantly cheaper than major bridge repairs, which may be caused by structural damage due to atmospheric precipitation. These measures are part of scheduled maintenance, which helps to avoid unforeseen costs in the future.
Testing drainage systems on bridges is not just a formal procedure, but an integral part of responsible infrastructure management that ensures the long-term sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and safety of bridge structures.
Problem Statement. Despite the overall importance of testing, there are no unified standards and methodologies that would allow for a complete and comprehensive analysis. Each bridge has unique characteristics (length, width, slopes, type of construction), which requires an individual approach to each test. This complicates the comparison of results and the development of universal recommendations.
Objective. The main purpose of hydraulic testing on bridges is to ensure the reliability, durability, and safety of the bridge structure through effective water drainage. These tests confirm that the drainage system is functioning properly, preventing the destructive effects of excessive moisture. Hydraulic testing is preceded by surveying work, which involves checking and recording the actual characteristics of the drainage system. This includes checking the design slopes of the road surface and drainage channels, as well as the location of catch basins and drain pipes. The accuracy of this data is critical to ensuring effective collection and drainage of water from the bridge surface, preventing stagnation and further destruction. Geodetic work on bridges has its own specific features and challenges:
- The work is often carried out in conditions of active traffic, which requires the use of modern high-precision equipment and compliance with increased safety measures.
- A bridge is a dynamic structure that is constantly exposed to temperature fluctuations. This can cause materials to expand or contract, affecting the accuracy of measurements.
- Access to some elements of the drainage system, such as internal drainage pipes or drains, may be limited, requiring the use of special methods and tools.
Thus, high-quality surveying as part of acceptance testing is an integral part of ensuring the durability, safety, and functionality of a bridge, helping to avoid hidden defects and costly repairs in the future.
Materials and methods. In studying the errors of geodetic instruments and the resulting coordinates, the method of a priori simulation modeling was used. In assessing the accuracy of geodetic work, the method of statistical analysis was used.
Results. The paper describes in detail the stages, means, and work of geodetic measurements as part of the work to verify the effective operation of the drainage system. Based on the analysis of the accuracy of geodetic work, recommendations are given on the methodology for performing observations.
Conclusions. The integration of geodetic measurements into hydraulic testing of bridges is critically important because it provides objective and documented evidence of the drainage system’s compliance with design requirements. Comprehensive analysis ensures long-term reliability, cost-effectiveness, and increased traffic safety on the bridge, transforming acceptance testing into a scientifically sound process.
