Bridge Condition Survey of Critical Bridges in the Philippines

The Philippines, an archipelagic country exposed to many natural hazards, overall, has a significant gap in public transport infrastructure. Bridges are either nearing or have already exceeded their design life. The Pampanga Swamp, the largest swamp in the Philippines within the Central Luzon Plains, is characterized by very soft to soft clays exceeding 20 m in thickness and is traversed by two 5.3 km essential viaducts that connect the nation capital, Metro Manila, to Northern and Central Luzon. Moreover, overloading, settlements, and earthquakes experienced over the years have led to significant damage and deterioration of the viaducts necessitating strict implementation of load limits and in some cases, as well as major repair and rehabilitation works aimed at ensuring the safety of the motoring public. This paper presents condition survey and assessment of the existing bridges in the Philippines—particularly bridges traversing the Pampanga Swamp, consistent with local and international codes and standard. Site characterization, case history, and recommendations for practicable and cost-effective repairs and strengthening works are presented.