Due to significant economic growth in the last few decades, increasing traffic loads impose tremendous demand on bridge structures. This, coupled with ongoing deterioration of bridges, introduces a unique challenge to bridge engineers in maintaining service of these infrastructure assets without disruption to vital economic and social activities. This requires innovative solutions and optimized methodologies to achieve safe and efficient operation of bridge structures.

Bridge engineering practitioners, researchers, owners, and contractors from all over the world presented...

On Thursday evening, May 23, 2013, the Interstate 5 Bridge over the Skagit River in Washington state collapsed due to impact by an oversize truck, dumping vehicles and people into the water. Fortunately, the bridge is located in a rural area and nobody was killed in the accident, but three people were rescued after their cars plunged into the frigid water of the Skagit River. According to Washington state officials, the bridge was inspected last year and was not structurally deficient, but collapsed because of apparent impact from an oversize truck. Nevertheless, the collapse of the steel...