Experience and problems of inspection of historical bridges

published:
Number: Issue 31(2025)
Section: Hydrotechnical construction, water engineering and water technology
The page spacing of the article: 250-256
Keywords: inspection, bridge, architectural expression, restoration, major repairs, arch, truss, passage dimensions.
How to quote an article: Vitalii Ostapchuk. Experience and problems of inspection of historical bridges. Dorogi і mosti [Roads and bridges]. Kyiv, 2025. Issue 31. P. 250–256 [in Ukrainian].

Authors

State Enterprise «National Institute for Development Іnfrastructure» (SE «NIDI»), Kyiv, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3903-6591

Summary

Introduction. This article reveals the need for repair and proper operational maintenance of an old bridges with attractive architecture, which are 90-110 years old. This article will describe the experience of inspection of three structures in order to highlight the problem of preserving historical bridges, which in most cases do not satisfy modern load-bearing requirements. The features and life path of each bridge are described, as well as the changes that the structures have undergone during operation. The typical problems inherent in each structure are identified. Recommendations are given for the preservation, repair and highlighting of the architectural image of bridges in order to attract the attention of the population to them as monuments of history, architecture and technology.

Problem Statement. The presence of historical bridges in Ukraine in poor condition, the lack of respect for such structures, which should become monuments of history and architecture.

Purpose. To emphasize the relevance of the topic of preserving old historical bridges. To highlight the experience of inspecting such structures and to provide recommendations for their repair.

Materials and methods. To highlight the problem of preserving old historical bridges, an analysis of the author`s personal experience and results of the survey of such structures was conducted. Analysis of world experience in preserving historical bridges and transforming them into tourist attractions.

Results. Ways to preserve historic bridges have been identified in accordance with world experience.

Conclusions. The need for preservation and proper operational maintenance of historical bridges as monuments of history, architecture and technology is emphasized. Personal experience of inspecting three historical architecturally attractive bridges is highlighted, and recommendations for repair are provided.

References

  1. The Iron Bridge URL: https://uk.wikipedia.org/ Залізний_міст_(Англія) (Last accessed: 04.02.2025) [in Ukrainian].
  2. 7 facts about Charles Bridge in Prague that you might not know. URL: https://zakordon.24tv.ua/ karliv-mist-prazi-7-faktiv-pro-simvol-stolitsi-chehiyi_n2190191 (Last accessed: 04.02.2025) [in Ukrainian].
  3. THE FIRST LONDON BRIDGE HAD BUILT HOUSES. THE SECOND… WENT TO THE USA. URL: https://www.whitemad.pl/uk/на-першому-лондонському-мосту-були-по/ (Last accessed: 04.02.2025) [in Ukrainian].