Fire risk assessment of bridges: from state of the art to structural vulnerability mitigation

Abstract In recent years, due to the rapid urbanization, fire risk in transport infrastructures is becoming more critical. These fires, typically caused by highly flammable materials, can significantly compromise stability of structure, as well cause significant economic and social losses. However, current regulations, no design or verification criteria are provided for bridges buildings prescriptions not directly applicable differences among conditions. Therefore, starting from a deep literature review, different performance levels bridges’ structural resistance were proposed. linked classification suggested Kodur et al., identifying most vulnerable fire. This methodology was applied both prescriptive performance-based approaches, using nominal natural curves derived advanced zone models several bridge scenarios. To better investigate bridges, parametric analyses typological conducted critical systems One relevant finding that use approach allows consider realistic conditions, satisfy higher with an optimization protection design. proposed be useful designers industrial category assess performances fire, only according but also considering one.