PSI - Issue 78

Domenico Cefalì et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 1358–1365

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differentiate based on the intensity or extension of the defect, impacting the accuracy of risk assessment for concrete bridges (Miano et al., 2023; Rossi et al., 2023). Practical applications in provincial contexts have also revealed interpretative issues and difficulties, sometimes arising from discrepancies between technical principles and existing regulations (Andriulo, 2023; Renzi et al., 2023). 3.2. Opportunities for improvement To improve the Italian Guidelines for bridge management, further development and integration of quantitative risk assessment methods are crucial, aligning with approaches used in other nations (Grieco et al., 2024; Lipari et al., 2024). A quantitative framework has been proposed to provide measurable expressions for vulnerability, exposure, and hazard, accounting for both structural robustness and existing defects (Hamidpour et al., 2024). This could involve creating more refined indices for a granular understanding of risk and uncertainty (Grieco et al., 2024). Regarding landslide hazard evaluation, clearer definitions for key investigation areas and standardized workflows for data collection (remote and ground-based) are necessary (Perilli et al., 2024). Comprehensive databases of case studies, such as those for Italian bridges affected by landslides, can offer valuable insights for refining procedures and understanding complex interaction mechanisms (Salciarini et al., 2024). For hydraulic risk, procedural refinements in data collection and analysis are proposed to ensure a consistent and balanced approach to assigning the Attention Class (Di Fluri et al., 2024). To streamline data acquisition, elaboration, and management, cloud-based platforms have been developed to assess the Class of Attention for existing bridges efficiently (Rapicavoli et al., 2024; Rossi et al., 2023). Furthermore, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) show promise for predicting structural and foundational attention classes from limited census data (Level 0), enabling rational scheduling of inspections and prioritization of high-risk structures (Principi et al., 2024). An automatic calculation model for seismic attention, optimized for cloud computing, also offers improved efficiency (Capogna et al., 2023). Sensitivity analysis of the structural vulnerability class, considering input parameter uncertainties, can help identify influential factors and reduce the qualitative component of the evaluation (Bianchi et al., 2025; Capacci et al., 2022). More detailed criteria for classifying structural defect intensity and extent would enhance risk assessment accuracy (Miano et al., 2023). Experiences from large bridge inventories, like the FABRE consortium's work on structural foundational and seismic risk classification, provide valuable insights for refinement (Salvatore et al., 2024). The introduction of a group defect index can facilitate the classification of bridges by similar defect types, allowing for uniform maintenance planning across groups, which can lead to reduced economic and social costs (Rossi et al., 2024). This aligns with the need for farsighted and smart policies by management bodies, especially where data might be missing (De Matteis et al., 2022). In conclusion, while the Italian bridge guidelines are fundamental, ongoing research and practical applications continuously highlight areas for refinement and technological integration. A significant opportunity lies in developing and integrating more sophisticated, quantitative bridge health indexes. These measures can provide objective and continuous condition assessments, supporting proactive maintenance and resource allocation. By embracing advanced health indexes, the Italian framework can evolve into a more robust and reliable system for managing its bridge infrastructure, especially in seismically active regions, leading to a more resilient transportation network. 4. The Bolzano Province Bridge Management System: a Copernican shift towards periodical re-certification While Italian guidelines adopt multi-level, multi-risk approaches, the autonomous Province of Bolzano has pioneered an advanced strategy centered on the periodical renewal of bridge static certification. This system, governed by Provincial Decree No. 41/2011 (Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano, 2011), mandates systematic re-evaluation of a bridge's static behavior throughout its lifespan. Specifically, Article 4 of the decree requires static testing upon opening and subsequent periodical controls. This ensures continuous verification of actual load-bearing capacity against design parameters and degradation. Article 8 further underscores this commitment, demanding full implementation across Bolzano's approximately 1700 bridges within five years of the decree's enactment (Lenisa and Montagner, 2011). This approach represents a Copernican revolution in bridge management. It shifts from reactive maintenance, triggered by visible deterioration, to proactive, evidence-based re-validation of structural integrity. By continuously confirming a bridge's static performance, Bolzano provides a definitive solution for ensuring certainty on its load-bearing capacity.