Maintenance and Management Lessons Learned from Bridge Collapses

Many lessons have been learned for maintenance and management of bridge infrastructure from bridge collapses, both during construction and in service. This paper focuses on the lessons learned from the Point Pleasant, Mianus, and Schoharie Creek bridge disasters. All of these bridges failed, with loss of life, after years of service. The failure of the Point Pleasant or Silver Bridge over the Ohio River illustrates how a critical flaw leading to fracture can destroy a non-redundant structure. The Mianus River Bridge case shows the impact of corrosion on hanger pins. The Schoharie Creek Bridge collapse illustrates the need to install and maintain scour protection. These failures have led to improved maintenance procedures and show the need for inspectors to understand structural behavior of bridges. There are lessons for bridge designers in these case studies. Critical elements of the bridge must be accessible for inspection and maintenance. Redundant designs are preferred, because collapses will then be localized rather than general. The lessons for bridge maintenance and management are equally important. It is vital for inspectors to understand the fundamental structural behavior of bridges, including load paths, in order to properly identify the most critical elements for inspection.