Proposal for public policy guidelines for the adaptation of existing bridges in Chile to climate change.

Abstract

Climate change has been declared a determining factor in the behavior of natural events that affect infrastructure works. The State plays a leading role in defining actions to address it, particularly in the development of public works and conservation. The road network is considered critical infrastructure, with bridges playing a key role in continuity and connectivity. Hydrometeorological natural events are those that most affect Chile, and their effects on the road network have shown its vulnerability. Bridges—some of which are very old—have historically been damaged by flooding, demonstrating the need to take action to adapt them to these new conditions. They are part of critical infrastructure, a concept that needs to be defined in order to take rapid and effective action to intervene. Analyzing changes in the technical and administrative regulations governing public works is important in order to facilitate action on existing vulnerable bridges. The lack of specific public policies on this issue highlights the need to propose public policies to adapt existing bridges to the effects of climate change, covered by Circular Letter 33 through conservation works. This is the most powerful tool for incorporating the proposed changes, through a Massive Adaptation and Replacement Plan that incorporates the rating of the current management system, the vulnerability of structures, and design concepts for maintenance management.