ABSTRACT
Bridge dynamics and aerodynamics have been in many cases overlooked in the design stages and consequent low behavior performance and safety margin have been not rarely observed and detected by means of structural monitoring of the bridge soon after it is brought into full service.
Design and practical requirements for a high structural performance and safety are pointed out and discussed. Case examples of actual bridges subjected to dynamic forces produced by the traffic of heavy vehicles and by the wind action are explored to depict the main sources of problems which in some cases caused structural misbehavior and eventually faults.
