Inspection, Analysis, Diagnosis and Recommendations for Repairs for Two Suspension Bridges in the Patagonia Region of Chile

The "Senador Sergio Sepulveda" and "Exequiel Gonzalez" bridges are two suspension bridges located in Southern Chile. The bridges are situated on Route 7 that connects Puerto Aysén with Puerto Montt. During the COVID-19 pandemic, border restrictions forced an increase in truck traffic crossing these bridges. This change in traffic patterns placed additional vehicular stress on the structures, leading to fractures in the stiffening truss chords of one of the bridges. The Chilean Ministry of Public Works (MOP) responded by temporarily closing and later reopening the affected bridge after implementing emergency repairs. Once emergency repairs were completed to return the bridge safely to service, a forensic analysis was conducted to understand the root cause of the observed field issues. This paper discusses the inspection, testing, as well as structural analysis conducted and the recommended actions to prevent further structural problems and safely extend the bridges' service life.