ABSTRACT
As a result of increased extreme weather events in many parts of the world, there have been growing concerns related to the risks to transportation infrastructure and infrastructure resiliency. Recently, a national survey was completed which included, amongst other topics, how provincial and municipal bridge departments across Canada are responding to these challenges. In conjunction with several transportation agencies, Stantec has been developing appraisal indices to include the effects of extreme events on flooding, scour, wildfires and other vulnerabilities such as fatigue, seismic, and load carrying capacity. The appraisal ratings are being implemented in a Bridge Management System to provide input into risk analysis and resiliency assessment and assist agencies in decision making regarding these challenges. This paper will highlight how agencies can consider in a practical way the effects of potential extreme weather related events, such as flooding, scour, and wildfires. The results of this research as well as the findings of the recent national survey will be shared. Parameters that can be used as input into each appraisal are discussed e.g. for flooding, factors such as flood frequency, risk of overtopping, freeboard, traffic delay consequences can be considered. The paper will be of interest to other jurisdictions who manage bridges and culverts who may be developing responses to these challenges.
