Investigation of Common Causes of Bridge Collapse in Colombia

Abstract

This article is an evaluation of bridge collapse causes in Colombia, based on the study of 63 real cases of reported failures since 1986. Through the analysis of each failure case, the main causes of total or partial collapse of the bridge structures were identified and studied. The 36% of the cases studied corresponds to steel structures that failed mainly because of structural deficiencies; and the remaining 64% corresponds to concrete bridges that collapsed mainly because of scour effect and overloads. These causes of collapse are attributed to design deficiencies. Thus to remove the deficiencies, it is recommended to conduct a rigorous program of bridge investigation along with a strengthening technique that would be specific to a given bridge type. The investigation would specifically include an evaluation of various types of deficiency in steel structures and issues related to inadequate reinforcement and scour in concrete members.