Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications
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This comprehensive review explores the potential for reusing steel bridge members with fatigue damage in new structural applications, emphasizing the transition towards a circular economy in the construction industry. Steel bridges, known for their durability, often face fatigue-related degradation due to cyclic loading, leading to their decommissioning. However, with advancements in non-destructive testing (NDT), structural health monitoring (SHM), and repair technologies, these components can be repurposed effectively for secondary uses in both bridge and building structures. This paper examines key methods for assessing fatigue damage, including traditional NDT techniques such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and newer machine learning-based SHM systems that provide real-time monitoring of fatigue progression. Additionally, innovative repair and strengthening strategies, such as the use of advanced composites and structural retrofitting, are reviewed to restore residual strength and extend the service life of damaged steel members. Design integration for reused steel components is also explored, focusing on safety and performance, and including the application of computational models to validate design changes. The environmental and economic benefits of steel reuse are discussed, highlighting reduced carbon footprints, minimized resource consumption, and cost savings, while contributing to a circular economy framework. The paper provides case studies and real-world applications where reused steel components have been successfully integrated into new infrastructure projects. Lastly, the paper identifies gaps in current policies, standards, and regulations, offering recommendations for accelerating the adoption of circular economy principles in steel construction. This review is crucial for fostering sustainability in structural engineering and paves the way for future research on enhancing the reuse potential of fatigue-damaged steel bridge members.
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