Concrete and plaster pieces were poured on the columns and beams of the Maltepe Bridge on the Maltepe D-100 highway. It was observed that the irons exposed due to spills at different points of the bridge were rusted. The disturbing current state of the bridge, where thousands of vehicles pass and many pedestrians use it every day, was viewed from the air with a drone.
'THIS NEEDS TO BE STRENGTHENED AND BUILT AGAIN'
Istanbul Arel University Civil Engineering Department Head Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Altan said, "When we examine the Maltepe Bridge visually and physically, the concrete covering on this bridge, the part we call the spacer, has been peeled off, gone, and the irons are seen. These irons rust when they get air, moisture and water. When they rust, their cross-sections become smaller and they lose their static structure. The static calculations of the bridge are lost. For this reason, we can see this bridge as unsafe right now. Because when we consider the traffic at that time when it was an old bridge, there was no traffic here. "As its density increases, the quality of the concrete decreases when we look at its current situation. The quality of the concrete inside is also dangerous because the latest earthquake regulations we have made do not meet the quality of the concrete we make according to the building regulations. This place needs to be strengthened as soon as possible, static calculations should be made again, dynamic loads should be calculated according to the new traffic density, and this place should be strengthened and built again," he said.
'THIS BRIDGE NEEDS TO BE BUILT AGAIN'
Stating that bridges should be checked at regular intervals, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Altan said, "These bridges definitely need to be checked at certain intervals. They need to be checked routinely, once a year, every 6 months. Because the whole bridge is now deteriorated. Since widely corroded iron and that iron distribution are visible everywhere, their frequency has also deteriorated. Therefore, this bridge needs to be handled and rebuilt as soon as possible. In order for it to be demolished immediately, we need to examine it in a little more detail to say this. It may pose a danger at any time. Visual and "When we look at it physically, there is no beautiful view. Therefore, we recommend that this bridge be considered and built as soon as possible," he said.
'THESE ARE ALWAYS DANGEROUS BRIDGE TYPES FOR US'
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Altan said, "Our citizens are right in their hesitation. Because they are trying to pass under a structure that is unknown when it will collapse. That's why the iron bars of this place were exposed and the drainage systems were broken. Since it was a dynamic structure, it leaked from everywhere and spoiled the chemistry of the concrete and carrier bars there. It corroded some of the iron and reduced the quality of the concrete. When we saw the image, it even turned into soil. Also, because it was built according to the old earthquake regulations and it is an old bridge." "It is not a bridge that meets our current standards. A detailed performance analysis of this bridge needs to be done and the static projects of this bridge need to be made and strengthened again. If it is too costly, it needs to be demolished and rebuilt to a more modern bridge standard. We generally encounter these types of bridges. Since they are generally old bridges, we need to check them on a routine basis," he said.
'WE HAVE NO LIFE SAFETY'
Hülya Kaya, who uses the bridge on her way to work, said, "We have no life safety, it needs to be done. We pass here, the anchors are visible, it contains danger and fear. We would like it to be delivered to the necessary places."
'IT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN INTO A SOLUTION BEFORE IT TURNS INTO A BIG DISASTER'
Stating that the irons are outside, Nusret Güner said, "It would be better to have maintenance done as soon as possible. The irons are outside, the beams are visible. It would be beneficial to do it immediately. It would be good if it is done, but it poses a danger. A lot of heavily loaded vehicles pass over it. It has to be done. It is inconvenient for both the cars passing underneath and the cars passing above. It needs to be taken care of as soon as possible before it collapses and turns into a big disaster."
'WE ARE PASSING UNDER THE BRIDGE WITH FEAR'
Stating that she was afraid while passing over the bridge, Aynur Erdoğan said, "The municipality needs to build this place as soon as possible. It is very dangerous for both children and adults. Iron and rust are exposed, the concrete is falling out. It needs to be rebuilt. It does not look very nice. We are afraid to pass under the bridge. It also poses a risk for vehicles."
'THE CONCRETE STARTED TO POUR'
Stating that the concrete has started to fall, Ömer Şimşek said, "This place is troublesome, there is danger, it is not there. Irons carry risks. People walk here. It would be better if it is done. We are passing through here, it creates trouble, the authorities need to do it. The concrete has started to fall."
