Understanding Landslide-Bridge Interactions through a Comprehensive Analysis of a Global Case Study Database

Infrastructures such as bridges and viaducts are exposed to numerous natural hazards that can compromise their safety and stability over time. Among these risks, interactions with landslides can sometimes be critical, as landslides can introduce new loads onto the existing structure that were not accounted for in the original design. Landslides exert forces with a significant horizontal component that may impact the supports, piers, or directly the bridge deck, leading to deformations and, in extreme cases, collapse. This work presents the development of a database containing 41 international case studies on interactions between landslides and bridges or viaducts. These events are classified according to key parameters such as landslide velocity, volume, and the type of interaction with the infrastructure. The analysis of the cases reveals recurring patterns in interaction and damage mechanisms, offering a deeper understanding of the most common conditions under which these interactions occur. The study’s findings highlight the importance of implementing preventive strategies and monitoring systems to mitigate the impact of landslides—whether slow-moving or rapid—on these infrastructures. Furthermore, the research underscores the need for more accurate risk assessment tools, considering that climate change may increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events capable of triggering landslides.