Bridges and viaducts in Brazil: an analysis of the predominant defects

Bridges and viaducts are essential structures for mobility and transportation but are susceptible to defects that can impact safety and durability. Defect studies are crucial for identifying issues and solutions, assessing the condition of the structures, and determining the need for intervention. Visual inspections were conducted on five structures in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and the defects found were either identical or similar to those reported in the literature review referenced in this study. Based on this information, it is possible to identify the most common defects and focus preventive and corrective maintenance efforts to prevent the progression of these issues and minimize the financial costs associated with structural repairs. The methodology used in this work involved the analysis of bibliographic sources, scientific articles and visual inspections.