Killed by a bridge? Unlikely!

Here is a list of major bridge accidents in 2007:

• A bridge being built across Vietnam's Hau river collapses on September 26, killing 54 people and leaving dozens injured.
• In July, 13 motorists die when a major road bridge falls into the Mississippi River in the US state of Minnesota
• In August at least 64 workers die when a river bridge in central China collapses as they are completing its construction.

Although any accident should be avoided, the life toll of these accidents is extremely small when compared to natural accidents (hurricane, earthquake, flooding) or other road accidents.

The main reason for Structural Health Monitoring therefore remains the efficient and effective maintenance of structures. The increased safety of an SHM system is certainly a welcome added bonus.