In case of Bridge Engineering, which type of maintenance is performed to prevent potential failures before they occur?

Explanation:

• Preventive maintenance in bridge engineering refers to a planned set of actions taken regularly to reduce the likelihood of failure and extend the service life of the structure.
• The goal is to prevent damage before it happens, rather than reacting to it after it has occurred.

• It maintains the structural health and functionality of the bridge over time.

• Includes regular inspections, cleaning of drains and expansion joints, painting to prevent corrosion, sealing cracks, and lubricating bearings.

• These are usually carried out based on a schedule, regardless of whether damage is visible or not.

• Preventive maintenance is generally more cost-effective in the long run compared to emergency or corrective maintenance, as it avoids major repairs and extends the life of the bridge.

Additional InformationCorrective Maintenance

• Definition
  Corrective maintenance is carried out after a fault or defect has occurred, to restore the structure to a serviceable condition.

• Purpose
  To address detected problems, such as damage or malfunction, usually identified during inspection or due to user complaints.

Deferred Maintenance

• Definition
  Deferred maintenance refers to necessary maintenance activities that are delayed or postponed, often due to lack of funds or resources.

 Emergency Maintenance

• Definition
  Emergency maintenance is unplanned and performed immediately after sudden damage or failure, often posing a safety risk.

• Purpose
  To restore critical safety and usability of the bridge following disasters, accidents, or severe weather events.