Resilience Framework for Aged Bridges Subjected to Human-Induced Hazard - Case Study in Ukraine

Abstract

AbstractBridge structures are key components of transport networks, enabling connections between important centres and regions of countries. Their operability and functionality loss due to long-term deterioration or extreme hazards could cause crucial social and economic impacts. Assessment of bridge resilience against these hazards is needed to predict functionality, optimal management, sustainable development, and decision-making in maintenance and post-conflict restoration measures. Nevertheless, no studies exist to date to optimize resilience metrics for aged bridges subjected to human-induced stressors, considering indirect losses due to disruption of the transport network. This is a capability gap that gave the motivation for this research paper. The study covers functionality-related resilience metrics of damaged bridges, associated with direct losses in terms of repair cost, and socio-economic metrics due to the inoperability of the logistic route. The application of a framework for resilience assessment was illustrated with an example of the case study of the post-conflict restoration of Ukrainian aged bridge structures, which experienced extensive war-induced destruction. This research presents a novel application of resilience framework for assets, subjected to war-induced stressors, considering both direct and indirect losses, and introduces cost and safety-based resilience indexes.