Review of damage criteria and their validation for bridges: a uniform classification framework

Abstract

A crucial step in assessing bridge condition is the identification and quantification of damage parameters and their associated limit states. To accurately represent the physical damage to bridges, it is essential to establish multiple, well-defined damage states with their limits that can be quantified using appropriate engineering demand parameters. These parameters ensure the precision and reliability of the assessment. While various codes and studies provide qualitative (and in some cases quantitative) descriptions of limit values of damage states, there is a notable lack of widely accepted quantitative definitions specific to bridges. This knowledge gap poses a significant challenge in the field of bridge engineering and damage assessment. Defining threshold values for damage states is a complex task, whether for individual bridge components or for the entire bridge system. The process of defining bridge damage states begins with a comprehensive review of existing codes and guidelines. This initial step involves examining various national and international standards, engineering manuals, and research publications to identify the range of damage states currently recognized in the field. Following this review, each identified damage state is carefully associated with a specific level of structural damage. By refining and standardizing damage state definitions, the reliability and comparability of bridge assessments can be significantly improved, leading to more effective risk management strategies, especially in the context of natural hazards and long-term durability.