Higher Order Bridge Assessment in Australia

This report documents the options and methodologies available to conduct higher order assessments of existing bridges which are encouraged by but not currently defined by the new AS 5100.7. This was achieved by investigating the current international state of the art practice through a literature review and the review of Australian practice comprising a literature review and surveys of the state road agencies. From the investigation, a framework was prepared that can provide guidance on when and where higher order assessments are appropriate and the relative benefits and costs of higher order assessment options. The proposed framework for bridge assessment in Australia focussed on three tiers of assessment with a specific flow chart to assist with the decision making process to elevate to successively higher tiers of assessment. Within this framework, Tier 3 investigation techniques were documented in relation to the advantages, disadvantages, limitations, appropriateness for given situations, order of magnitude cost estimates and potential outcomes.