Sebastian Isaac GARZA BUSTAMANTE 

Experimental study on the process of salt particles arriving at bridge girders according to wind conditions

Fuminori NAKAMURA

This study investigates salt-induced deterioration in Japanese coastal bridges, focusing on mitigation strategies through wind tunnel experiments and numerical simulations. The Aomi River Bridge in Itoigawa City, exposed to strong coastal winds, serves as the primary case study. To understand salt adhesion patterns, the study employs a combination of physical modeling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. These methods provide insights into how wind speed, direction, and bridge geometry influence salt accumulation. Field surveys validate simulation results, confirming that salt-induced deterioration is a significant factor in bridge maintenance planning. The study also explores protective measures such as anticorrosion coatings and optimized bridge designs to minimize exposure. 
The research identifies the mechanisms by which airborne salt particles adhere to bridge components, accelerating corrosion and structural degradation. Results indicate that salt deposition is most pronounced on the underside of girders, particularly on the landward side, due to turbulent airflow and salt-laden winds. The findings contribute to more effective maintenance strategies by identifying high-risk areas for salt accumulation and proposing targeted countermeasures. By integrating experimental data with numerical analysis, this research enhances predictive capabilities for deterioration models, leading to improved infrastructure resilience. The study's implications extend to other coastal regions facing similar environmental challenges, offering a framework for designing durable and corrosion-resistant bridges.