Investigating climate change effects on bridges and tunnels

Abstract

The earth's climate is changing, partly from continued natural warming since the last ice age and partly man made. The changing climate with resulting more extreme weather events is likely to impact bridges and other long-life infrastructure assets. This research considers the broad effects of climate change on load effects, load combinations and material properties of bridges and tunnels. Effects such as temperature, fire, storminess, precipitation, snow, ice, wind, sea levels and acidity as they affect bridges are discussed. The uncertainty of the data in its probability and the magnitude of extreme events on these climate effects is noted and discussed in relation to resilience. Specific examples of where climate change may affect bridges and tunnels are considered, and where further research is required. A risk assessment of the likelihood and impact of climate change is presented to quantify the effects on bridges and tunnels, to support design or asset management decisions. The work is primarily based on British and north European data, but data from other parts of the world are also considered. Current code and standard provisions for design and assessment are reviewed in relation to climate change and resilience, and recommendations are outlined. Conducting asset- or region-specific risk assessments using the methods of this research is recommended.