Center for Extreme Load Effects on Structures

Hazards from Aging

Age can weaken structures to the point where a normal load can destroy the structure and create a disaster.

Structures that are community lifelines such as bridges, tunnels, dams, and pipelines can become hazards. Many U.S. dams, bridges, and other structures are nearing the end of their designed life, increasing the chance of injury to life and property.

Preventable hazards

Most hazards from aging structures can be prevented with proper planning and monitoring.

Some common effects of aging

  • Old concrete made with some sands and aggregates can react with chemicals in the air or rain, and begin to crumble.
  • Steel reinforcement in bridges and dams can corrode or weaken from stress.
  • The soil under structures can shift over time, weakening a structure's foundation.
  • Pipelines can develop cracks and weaknesses from plants, shifting ground, and chemical interactions.

See also:
CELES facilities

Related Links:

National Economic Service-Life Tools - software from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for building durable housing

Virginia Cooperative Center for Bridge Engineering

Structures and Materials Laboratories

Benefits of preventing hazards from aging structures

Communities that prevent hazards from aging structures are more resilient to damage from other hazards, including earthquakes, terrorist attacks, and hurricanes. This also increases the economic worth of the structures, protecting a community's economy.

What can communities do?

  1. Identify and monitor aging structures and determine which are likely to become hazards.
  2. Ensure that transportation and utility lifelines are monitored and reinforced or replaced as needed.
  3. Encourage the construction of durable structures through building codes and land-use regulations.

How can CELES help?

  • Provide tools and information for durable construction and long-term monitoring
  • Identify soils and locations that lead to faster corrosion of pipes and concrete.
  • Research the effects of soil, air, and water on structures
  • Develop affordable monitoring of chemical and mechanical reactions over time.
  • Develop technology to prevent structural deterioration.

Issues for research and development:

How do rain, chemicals in the air, and soil movement affect the strength of structures?

How can new technologies, such as coatings, nanoparticles, optical-fiber sensors, wireless video networks, e-textiles and new materials be used to maintain the integrity of structures?