A research team from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and the University of Vigo (UVigo) has uncovered mechanisms that enable steel truss bridges to withstand catastrophic events, such as impacts or earthquakes. Their findings, published in the journal Nature, reveal that these structures can adapt and maintain structural integrity even after sustaining significant damage.
The study draws parallels between the resilience of steel truss bridges and the adaptability of spider webs. According to José M. Adam, a researcher at the ICITECH Institute of UPV and coordinator of the Pont3 project, “Just as spider webs can adapt and continue to trap prey after suffering damage, damaged steel truss bridges may still be able to withstand loads even greater than those they bear under normal conditions of use.”
Bridges play a critical role in transportation networks, and their failure can lead to severe consequences, including loss of life and economic impacts that can reach millions of euros daily when they are closed. The researchers emphasize the importance of ensuring these structures remain functional in the wake of local failures, especially as natural disasters become more frequent and unpredictable due to environmental changes.
Until now, it has remained unclear why initial failures in certain bridge components can lead to disproportionate impacts on overall functionality. This study identifies and characterizes the secondary mechanisms that contribute to the enhanced resilience of these structures. Carlos Lázaro, principal investigator of the Pont3 sub-project at UPV, states, “Thanks to this, we can understand how they can continue to bear loads after the initial failure of an element.”
Insights from Nature for Safer Infrastructure
The research not only enhances understanding of existing bridge structures but also informs the design of safer and more resilient bridges. The findings aim to improve strategies for monitoring, evaluating, and repairing current bridges. They also have the potential to establish new robustness requirements for steel truss bridges, which are vital to transportation networks.
The researchers highlight that inspiration from nature has consistently played a crucial role in engineering advancements. “Last year, we discovered how to prevent buildings from collapsing in the event of an extreme event by imitating lizards. This time, we have learned from spider webs,” notes José M. Adam. He adds that their research aligns with another study published in Nature in 2012, which focused on the structural properties of spider webs.
The implications of this research extend beyond theoretical insights. By understanding how bridges can maintain latent resistance under stress, engineers can better plan for the future of infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters.
The complete study, titled “Latent resistance mechanisms of steel truss bridges after critical failures,” can be found in the September 7, 2025, issue of Nature. The research represents a significant step toward enhancing the safety and durability of critical transportation infrastructure across Europe and beyond.
