Bridge assessment: A case study of Ajaokuta-Itobe Bridge, Kogi State

This report summarizes the assessment carried out as a result of the public uproar on the degree of safety of the Ajaokuta/Itobe Bridge in Kogi state. The public outcry was as a result of a severe damaged expansion joints of the bridge. Visual inspection and concrete strength test were carried out to ascertain the safety condition of Itobe Bridge. Seven out of the total number of eight expansion joint covers were damaged and out of place while all the elastomeric bearings were in good working condition. The scouring of the river bed was not visually pronounced except little at the abutment side of the Abuja-Ayingba approach which is attributed to change of water course. Farming activities within the vicinity of the bridge embankment has no effects on the bridge foundation. The compressive strength test result of some bridge elements selected shows that the values are within the satisfactory range. The assessment recommended the lengthening and desilting of the drainage pipes to prevent further corrosion of the concrete and steel members. The use of sand blasting and repainting of the steel beams was also recommended to protect them from further corrosion. Maintenance of cracks on the reinforced concrete abutment and piers should be carried out. The use of sheet piles filled with compacted sand or gabions around the exposed piles caps to protect the foundation was recommended. Shoreline protection measures should be used in protecting the bridge eroded embankment. Seven out of eight expansion joint devices were damaged therefore exposing the elements of the structure that are otherwise protected by the joint devices. The openings about 47cm-53cm becomes a conduit by which moisture, abrasives, chemicals, and other debris are deposited on the superstructure and substructure below the opening, thereby causing extensive damage. The expansion joints devices should be fixed with proper elastomeric strip seal to protect the bridge from further deterioration.