Spalled bridge concrete pedestal

[becomodesto]

I came across a highway bridge (concrete deck over steel stringers) where the stringers rest on concrete pedestals over concrete piers. Two of the concrete pedestals have spalled from the anchor bolt line (one anchor bolt on each side) undermining the masonry plate by about 15%. The curious thing is that the reinforcement that is exposed consists of a lonely horizontal rebar at mid height. Wasn't it supposed to have more reinforcement than that? I have been looking for sources on bridge concrete pedestal design but have not been lucky. Can I have some help on this? Thanks.

 

[TXStructural]

That certainly does not look like reinforced concrete. Is/was the bar deformed like rebar or smooth, like a bent anchor bolt? Can you give us an idea about dimensions?

 

[becomodesto]

The concrete pedestal is 15"x15"x30"

 

[becomodesto]

The rebar is not smooth.

 

[bridgebuster]

Customarily, a pedestal that tall is designed as a column. There should at least have been some #4 hoops.

Anyway, I've seen worse, much worse. If the concrete is sound, just notify the owner. I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

 

[beton1]

Depending on age and design it may have been OK... at that time (doubtful from the look of the steel). Seen a lot of old bridges that make you scratch your head. Quality control is also an issue. To make it right, you would have to contain it properly (jacket) and get some steel in there obviously. Do not forget reinforced concrete and seismic issues have evolved.

 

[becomodesto]

Thanks for the input.