What is identified as the number one cause of bridge failures?

The primary cause of bridge failures is often linked to structural deficiencies. Such deficiencies can arise from various factors, including inadequate design, poor construction practices, deterioration over time, and insufficient maintenance. These issues can impair the integrity and load capacity of a bridge, leading to possible catastrophic failure.

Structural deficiencies encompass a wide range of issues, including excessive wear and tear, material fatigue, and problems with foundations and connections. It is critical for bridge inspectors to thoroughly assess these factors during inspections to prevent failures and ensure the safety of the traveling public.

Flooding, earthquakes, and surface erosion can certainly impact bridges, but they are not the fundamental causes of bridge failures as structural deficiencies are. Flooding may exacerbate existing issues or contribute to damage, earthquakes can cause failure in already compromised structures, and surface erosion can lead to the degradation of components. However, without structural deficiencies being present, the impact of these natural events is significantly less severe.