Abstract
A review of forensic structural engineering, which is a strategy that follows after bridge failure, is presented in the paper. A detailed statistical analysis, and worldwide systematisation of available bridge failure data for the 1966-2020 period, are given. More than six hundred cases of partial or full collapse of bridges are analysed in detail, and causes that have led to their failure are examined. Failure of each of these bridges was in most cases not caused by a single factor, i.e. the main cause was most often just a trigger in the cause-and-effect sequence of events that contributed to such failure. Consequently, in addition to main causes, the influence of human factor, as a precondition leading to failure, is considered in each of the analysed cases. Types of progressive collapse, being a critical structural failure mechanism, are described in the second part of the paper, with an emphasis on bridges. An overview of the theory of structural robustness is also given. Design guidelines and approaches, aimed at preventing catastrophic failure and creating more robust structures, are presented. Methods for achieving robustness in the design of new bridges and in the strengthening of the existing ones are also described, and practical real-life examples are provided.
Highlights
Road and railway bridges are complex structural systems, and their design and construction process require a high level of knowledge, expertise, and experience
The answer is provided by forensic structural engineering, which is an applied science focusing on the determination of causes of structural failure
This paper provides a review of the use of forensic engineering in civil and structural engineering, and discusses main reasons for bridge failures, along with the corresponding human factors, based on the available bridge failure database
Summary
Road and railway bridges are complex structural systems, and their design and construction process require a high level of knowledge, expertise, and experience. Despite the high level of expertise and experience of engineers, continuous development of new knowledge, implementation of new technologies and improvement of current design codes, we are still witnessing bridge failure accidents with catastrophic consequences in all parts of the world Due to their importance and long service, each bridge failure raises many questions regarding technical and/or legal indicators, and involves the issue of accountability for the damage caused. Statistical analysis of documented failures focusing on bridge type (e.g., typical critical sections and situations) can help in identification of main causes leading to bridge collapse Based on these findings and appropriate training of operators, bridge owners and maintenance engineers would be able to react promptly, and prevent catastrophic events like the one in Miami [15]. A short overview of structural robustness and progressive collapse and their causality is given
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