Transportation systems of the world represent a huge investment on the part of governments and taxpayers. There is widespread concern over the status of the infrastructure, and despite indications of increased investment, it is clear that the funds available are not likely to meet all the needs of this sector in the long run. More than ever, wise investment decisions concerning roads and bridges will be crucial to the future of transportation. This conference is the fourth in a series of International Bridge Engineering Conferences. The objective of this conference is to provide an international forum for the exchange of bridge research results and technical information on planning, design, construction, repair, rehabilitation, replacement, and maintenance of bridges. The focus is on problems and solutions of interest to bridge engineers and administrators of highway, railroad, and transit agencies. Research results emanating from the AASHTO-sponsored NCHRP bridge studies as well as those of federal, state, and international research agencies' programs are being highlighted.
Abstract