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Inspection of bridge failure during construction: A case study of a bridge over a drainage canal
Author(s)
Suksawat, Taweephong
Ayawanna, Jiratchaya
Nghia-Nguyen, Trong
Meetorranee, Thawidej
Promthong, Boonchom
Vashishtha, Govind
Date Issued
April 1, 2025
Type
Article
Abstract
This paper presents a case study of a bridge failure during construction in an infrastructure development project in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. This highlights the critical role of thorough inspection and early detection of structural failures. The failure, related to foundation-related issues, shows how even minor errors in the construction sequence can lead to significant structural problems. Key steps for evaluating foundation failures are assessing the structure's movement and utilizing an inclinometer to determine ongoing failure. Resistivity surveys, in conjunction with screw driving sounding tests (SDS), were performed to assess soil properties, while the finite element method (FEM) was applied to validate the observed failure behavior. The results show that an inclinometer effectively monitored these structures’ movement. The resistivity surveys proved useful in identifying soil layers in the wide area. Meanwhile, the SDS tests were able to determine the soil's undrained shear strength. FEM simulations provided valuable insights into the behavior of underground structures. Consequently, comprehensive inspections are essential to mitigate foundation failure risks and ensure critical structures’ safety and longevity.
Citation
Engineering Failure Analysis, 171, 2025