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ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/cebs.2026.06.002

Evaluation of the Structural Adequacy and Strengthening of a Bailey-type Steel Bridge System Under Eurocode Provisions

Zoglopitis K.1, Mageirou G.2,*

1Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, University of West Attica, Egaleo 12243, Greece.

2Hellenic Air Force Academy, Dekeleia Air Base, 13671 (1010), Dekeleia, Athens, Greece.

*Corresponding author: Mageirou G

Published: September 23, 2026

Abstract

Legacy modular steel bridge systems, such as the Bailey bridge, remain crucial assets for military operations and emergency civil infrastructure. However, their structural performance under modern, intensified traffic regimes and Eurocodes remains insufficiently quantified in literature, presenting a critical gap between historical design assumptions and contemporary safety standards. This study applies a scientific research methodology based on 3D spatial Finite Element (FE) modelling and Eurocode limit state theory (EC0, EC1, EC3, EC8) to evaluate the structural adequacy of a 24.38 m span Double-Single (DS) Bailey bridge and propose a novel, non-dismantling structural strengthening framework. Through a deductive analytical approach, 115 Ultimate Limit State (ULS) and 115 Serviceability Limit State (SLS) load combinations were evaluated to identify governing failure modes and stress distribution profiles across critical structural members. The numerical investigation revealed significant structural deficiencies under the modern Eurocode load model and heavy military vehicle loading. To address these limitations, a targeted in-situ strengthening strategy utilizing strategically welded steel stiffening plates was developed and evaluated. The application of this method demonstrated a 57,52% reduction in maximum vertical mid-span deflection and restored member utilization ratios below unity across all critical elements. The novelty of this work lies in establishing a standardized, Eurocode-compliant evaluation and strengthening methodology for historical modular steel trusses, providing a scientifically validated, logistically efficient alternative to full structural replacement.

Keyword

Bailey bridge; load-carrying capacity; strengthening

References

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Copyright

© 2026 by the author(s).
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license, which permits non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not modified or adapted.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

How to cite this paper

Evaluation of the Structural Adequacy and Strengthening of a Bailey-type Steel Bridge System Under Eurocode Provisions

How to cite this paper: Zoglopitis K., Mageirou G. (2026). Evaluation of the Structural Adequacy and Strengthening of a Bailey-type Steel Bridge System Under Eurocode Provisions. Civil Engineering & Building Science, 3(1), 5-17.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/cebs.2026.06.002