Risk Analysis of Vulnerable Bridges on the National Road Network in France

After several years of operation, some structures and components show distress, which may increase their vulnerability and reduce their level of service and safety for users. A risk-based methodology is a powerful tool to achieve certain strategic choices when resources are not extensible (e.g., for the management of a stock of existing structures, or their upgrade, to respond to a particular risk, such as a seismic or climate change risk). Risk analysis also allows for the definition of a strategy to monitor and inspect or to prioritize upgrade actions (e.g., to repair, strengthen). In this sense, risk analysis alone is necessary but is not sufficient: it must precede the decision as part of an overall risk management process. This paper presents risk analysis methodology and its application to two families of structures developed and implemented by the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Energy (in charge of transportation) on the national road network of France.