Poor performance of structural details known as halving joints has been the cause of a number of international bridge collapses in the past 20 years. While the Queensland Department of Transport & Main Roads (TMR) no longer allow these details on new designs, there are a number of legacy structures which must be managed through to the end of asset life. Structures with concrete halving joints are renowned for their low redundancy and potentially brittle failure characteristic and high stress concentration zones.
Detailed research has been undertaken during the past 20 years (notably in Europe) to understand and quantify the behaviour and capability of these details. As a responsible asset steward, QTMR are currently undertaking a systematic investigation of their bridges with concrete halving joints.
While the investigation to date has not triggered urgent interventions, TMR is positioning to more effectively manage this bridge portfolio over the long term, and is developing capability, processes and tools to assure continued operation of these assets in most cases. Targeted interventions including replacement may be required in specific instances.
