Coastal bridges and the 120 Life Span - the Rio-Antirio case study

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the uncertainties related to durability prediction of coastal bridges. Design/methodology/approach - The paper describes the problems encountered with the Rio-Antric bridge in Greece. Findings - Even the most accurate models, especially those traditionally employed, fail to provide secure estimates, cases which create serious questions about suggested life spans. Local conditions, large-scale effects, construction practise, dynamic phenomena, etc. create such a complex web of parameters able to negate even the most conservative estimates. As such, cathodic protection systems should be employed in every coastal structure as a defence measure. Originality/value - The paper offers a typical example of how far engineering, material science and construction practise has to go to guarantee that any designed life is accurately met.