Promoting and Inspiring Climate Action Applied to Bridge Adaptation

With a view to promoting scientific research on the subject of climate change, Universidade Lusófona - Centro Universitário Lisboa has achieved a new feat with the recognition of one of its scientific articles. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) considered the article "A Roadmap for an Integrated Assessment Approach to the Adaptation of Concrete Bridges to Climate Change" by researchers Eloi Figueiredo, Luís Oliveira Santos, Ionut Moldovan, Dimitrios Kraniotis José Melo, Luís Dias and Guilherme B. A. to be of particular relevance. A. Coelho, as a key article in promoting climate action, in line with the United Nations' 13th Sustainable Development Goal: Climate Action.

Bridges play a crucial role in modern societies, regardless of their culture, geographical location or economic development. The safest, most economical and resilient are those that are naturally well managed and maintained. Recently, climate change has been highlighted as one of the biggest concerns for the health of this type of structure and although the uncertainty associated with the magnitude of the changes is great, the fact that our climate is changing is unequivocal. Making bridges resistant to climate change is therefore a priority for the authorities. Well-planned early intervention can save lives and money.

The aim of this document is therefore to analyse the work already done on climate change and bridges and to define a roadmap for an integrated assessment approach for adapting bridges to climate change. This approach is based on a probabilistic and physical framework capable of prioritising bridge adaptation measures according to their location, climate scenario, impact, vulnerability, risk and cost, in order to help authorities in the decision-making process.

That said, it is with great pride that Lusófona University promotes innovation in research every day and its commitment to a society that is more aware of its climate and environmental risks.