Effect of bridge failure on hydraulic infrastructure operability

The proper functioning of the hydraulic infrastructures ensures the hydraulic safety of a territory under both ordinary and emergency conditions. Many of these infrastructures include bridges, which serve not only for regular traffic but also as access routes to the infrastructures themselves. The collapse of such bridges can be caused by seismic events, floods, or corrosion of the reinforcement bars. The collapse and the resulting presence of debris may lead to the obstruction and/or damage of the gates, compromising the flow regulation, and consequently the overall functionality of the infrastructure. This contribution aims to analyze the impact that the collapse of the bridge may have on the functionality of the hydraulic infrastructure. To this purpose, procedures for failure mode detection are evaluated to assess possible failure scenarios, their effects, and associated criticalities, to provide decision support for infrastructure management. Based on the defects identified during surveys, the most likely failure mechanisms are determined along with the corresponding performance levels expected for both the bridge and hydraulic infrastructure. This analysis facilitates the identification of the most effective intervention strategy to address the defects and prevent associated adverse outcomes. This approach allows a preliminary assessment of all managed bridges, establishing a priority order for interventions. In this way, it serves as a valuable tool for guiding monitoring and maintenance activities, adopting a systematic approach to infrastructure management.