Bridge collapses in Italy across the 21st century: survey and statistical analysis

Bridges serve as vital links within transportation networks, fostering societal connectivity and economic growth. Italy’s diverse terrain, encompassing mountains, hillsides, and coastal regions, underscores the importance of bridge infrastructure. Following notable bridge collapses in recent years, understanding their causes and enhancing safety measures has become paramount. This study presents a comprehensive dataset spanning 2000 to 2023, cataloguing bridge collapses in Italy and analyzing their characteristics, causes, and consequences. Also, it investigates six notable case studies. In total, 246 collapses were documented, with hydraulic issues identified as the predominant cause (80.5%). Collapses primarily affect road bridges (86.2%), especially at provincial and municipal levels. Notably, the study details the human toll of collapses, reporting 70 fatalities and 51 injuries. The distinction between natural (83.7%) and human (16.3%) caused collapses highlights the need for improved approaches to bridge management and risk mitigation strategies. The evaluation of the failure rates is hampered by the current incompleteness of nationwide infrastructure registries. By examining case studies and statistical trends, this research provides valuable insights for enhancing bridge resilience and informing future infrastructure policies and practices.