PSI - Issue 84

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ScienceDirect

Procedia Structural Integrity 84 (2026) 630–637

III Fabre Conference: Existing Bridges, Viaducts, and Tunnels: Research, Innovation, and Applications A Methodology for Prioritization and Planning of Special Inspections, Safety Assessments, and Repair Vittorio Palma a , Davide Presti b *, Alberto Contardi b , Giuseppe Pasqualato b , Simone

Celati a , Isabella Mazzatura a , Walter Salvatore a a UNIVERSITÀ DI PISA, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1 56122, Pisa, Italia b SINA S.p.A, Viale Isonzo 14/1 20135, Milano, Italia

© 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Conference Abstract In the management of existing infrastructure, particularly bridges and viaducts, it is essential to ensure maximum safety while optimizing investments and reducing the impact of construction activities on traffic. This article presents the methodologies for prioritizing the execution of special inspections, safety verifications and repair work, contained within the “Assessment Document” a technical-strategic elaboration developed by SINA S.p.A., in collaboration with the FABRE university consortium. This document is proposed as a reference framework for the systematic assessment of the structural condition of assets and for the planning of maintenance activities. For the execution of the special inspections a methodology has been developed, based on the Guidelines for the risk classification and management of existing bridges, which assigns a priority level to each bridge determined by the level of defectiveness of the post tensioning system and by parameters representing vulnerability and structural criticality. The method for scheduling safety assessments, based on indicators such as detected defectiveness, outcomes of special inspections, exposure, and hazard of the structure, is also described. Finally, the procedure for prioritizing interventions for repair or durability enhancement activities is outlined, considering factors such as structural defectiveness, the integrity of concrete surfaces, and the condition of the water disposal system. The primary objective of this process is to support the Operator in the optimal allocation of its financial and technical resources. In this sense, the Assessment Document, with the integration of priority criteria, is an indispensable tool used by the Manager for prudent planning of activities and the maintenance of high standards of infrastructure safety and durability over time.

* Corresponding author. E-mail address: davide.presti@sina.it

2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Conference 10.1016/j.prostr.2026.06.081