Bridge Adaptation and Management under Climate Change Uncertainties: A Review

A review of the potential impacts of climate change on the safety and performance of bridges

“…In addition to exacerbating the risk of flooding, SLR can also pose considerable threats on existing and future bridge assets as well as other infrastructure; see, e.g., Meyer and Weigel (2011), Mondoro et al (2018), andTRB (2008). For instance, Wu et al (2009) estimated an inundation area of up to 3800 km 2 for the Mid-and Upper-Atlantic region of the United States by the end of the century.…”

“…For instance, Wu et al (2009) estimated an inundation area of up to 3800 km 2 for the Mid-and Upper-Atlantic region of the United States by the end of the century. Furthermore, Mondoro et al (2018) draw attention to the possibility that many coastal bridges, despite not being inundated by water, may become unusable as a result of the permanent submersion of roadways in coastal zones. Gornitz et al (2002), McInnes et al (2003), and Titus and Richman (2001) are examples of other studies which address the potential impacts of SLR.…”

“…Despite all these considerations, to date, only few studies have addressed the potential impacts of climate change on infrastructure (e.g., Kumar & Imam, 2013;Meyer, 2008;Mondoro et al, 2018;Schwartz, 2010). The purpose of this paper is to address this gap in scientific knowledge by investigating the potential risks climate change may induce, or increase, on bridges.…”

Bridges in a changing climate: a study of the potential impacts of climate change on bridges and their possible adaptations

“…Accelerated degradation of material Cathodic protection (Stewart et al, 2012;Vicroads, 2015); Increase in concrete cover thickness, improve quality of concrete (strength grade), protective surface coatings and barriers, use of stainless steel, galvanized reinforcement, corrosion inhibitors, electrochemical chloride extraction (Stewart et al, 2012); Protection by design, preservative treatment and the use of modified wood for timber bridges (Mahnert & Hundhausen, 2017); More frequent inspection and maintenance Heat-induced damage to pavements and rails Use of polymer modified binders (Vicroads, 2015); Development of new heat resistant paving materials (FHWA, 2009;NRC, 2008); More frequent maintenance (ATSE, 2008;FHWA, 2009;FHWA, 2013;Lindgren et al, 2009); Use of concrete railroad ties instead of wood ties (Delgado & Aktas, 2016); More expansion joints in pavements and rails (Meyer & Weigel, 2011); Introducing speed restrictions (Mehrotra et al, 2011). Increased long-term deformations Improved monitoring and inspection of bridges (Mahnert & Hundhausen, 2017) Increased scour rate Use of riprap (FHWA, 2009;Mondoro et al, 2018;Nemry & Demirel, 2012;NRC, 2008); Partially grouted riprap, concrete block systems, gabion mattresses, grout-filled mattresses; Upstream walls and obstructions, collars, etc. (Mondoro et al, 2018;NRC, 2008); Use of sacrificial embankments (Brand, Dewoolkar, & Rizzo, 2017); Increased use of sonars to monitor streambed flow and bridge scour (FHWA, 2009;NRC, 2008); For further scour protection measures see e.g., Arneson, Zevenbergen, Lagasse, and Clopper (2012); and Chen and Duan (2014) Side-slope failure and Landslides Adequate slope stabilization measures, river bank protection works (FHWA, 2009;NRC, 2008;Regmi & Hanaoka, 2011); Relocation, modification of slope geometry, drainage, retaining structures, internal slope reinforcement (see, e.g., Chen & Duan, 2014, p. 337…”

“…The aim of this article is to present the potential impacts of climate change on bridges and develop an extensive list of the possible adaptation strategies to counteract these impacts. To date, a small number of studies have addressed the risks imposed on bridges by climate change and their possible adaptations (e.g., Kumar & Imam, 2013;Meyer, 2008;Mondoro, Frangopol, & Liu, 2018;Schwartz, 2010;Nasr et al, 2019a). However, this study is unique in that it provides a broad list of the possible adaptation techniques in response to the risks identified in literature.…”