Wadi Kuf Bridge: In-Situ Structural Evaluation and Proactive Engineering Recommendations for Ensuring Structural Integrity and Collapse Prevention

Mustafa  Taghdi; Yaser Amer  Alobaidi

doi:10.66411/jer.v41i1.124

Authors

Mustafa Taghdi Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tripoli, Libya Author
Yaser Amer Alobaidi Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tripoli, Libya Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66411/jer.v41i1.124

Keywords:

Wadi Al-Kuf Bridge, Morandi Bridge, structural evaluation, bridge modeling.

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the structural safety of the Wadi Kuf Bridge in Libya, one of the most distinguished works of the Italian engineer Riccardo Morandi, through an assessment of field inspection data and a comparative review with the Morandi Bridge that collapsed in Italy in 2018. Field observations revealed visible cracking and concrete deterioration, in addition to a significant expansion of the main joint from 10 cm to 16 cm, as reported by the Libyan Roads and Bridges Authority in 2015. This expansion is attributed to time-dependent effects such as creep and shrinkage. Analytical assessments further indicated an estimated 20–25% loss of prestressing force in the steel cables after 50 years due to relaxation, consistent with findings from studies on similar Morandi-type bridges. The study emphasizes the need for implementing a preventive maintenance program and conducting advanced structural modelling to simulate the bridge’s long-term behaviour under various loads and environmental conditions, thereby enhancing its structural safety and service durability

References

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