A comparison of the UK and Italian national risk-based guidelines for assessing hydraulic actions on bridges

This paper compares the application of two recently published guidance documents for risk-based assessment hydraulic actions on bridges, namely UK Design Manual Roads and Bridges Italian Ministry Infrastructure Transport’s Guidelines, to case study bridges (Staverton Bridge, UK; Borgoforte Italy). work is one first illustrate how apply these guidelines. Both present methods actions, while exhibiting fundamental differences. For example, method prescribes calculations local constriction scour, water depth, velocity at several cross-sections; by comparison, does not prescribe assess risk level. studies in this paper, obtained Staverton Bridge resulted as ‘High’ using both methods. The scour score higher (Medium-High), compared approach (Medium). difference due guidelines vulnerability associated with minimum clearance. comparison approaches resulting discussion may serve a useful resource those wishing develop new assessing bridges.