What should be inspected at joints and bridge ends of concrete filled-grid steel decks?

The inspection of joints and bridge ends of concrete-filled grid steel decks is crucial due to the unique materials and load conditions involved. The correct answer focuses on "expansion due to corrosion."

This is important because corrosion can lead to the deterioration of steel components, ultimately affecting the overall structural integrity of the bridge. In particular, as corrosion progresses, it may cause the steel to expand or change shape, which can impact how joints operate and how effectively the bridge can handle loads. This expansion could compromise the effectiveness of the joints, leading to misalignments or even cracking in adjacent materials, particularly the concrete, due to pressure from the expanding steel.

While inspecting for corrosion itself is essential, it's the specific impacts of corrosion on expansion at the joints and ends that are especially critical. Understanding the interplay between corrosion and structural response helps inspectors identify potential for failure and mitigate safety risks effectively. Monitoring expansion due to corrosion ensures proactive maintenance strategies can be implemented before severe deterioration occurs.