Durability Assessment of the Laureano Gómez Bridge: a Key Element for New Colombian Infrastructure

The durability of reinforced concrete bridges is crucial for ensuring their long‐term functionality and safety. Among the various deterioration mechanisms, carbonation and chlorides are the most significant and widespread problems affecting these structures. This paper aims to assess the durability condition of the historical Colombian Bridge “Laureano Gómez”, which has been in service for over 40 years. The condition assessment involved measurements of the concrete cover, carbonation depths, concrete resistivity, compressive strength, crack survey, and visual inspection of the steel surface. Estimating the remaining service life showed that the stay elements are the most prone to steel depassivation due to carbonation, primarily due to low concrete cover and exposure conditions. The insights from this study could provide valuable information for the durability prognosis of the new bridge built next to it.