PLoS One March 2020 PMID 31644541

Impact of climate change on the integrity of the superstructure of deteriorated U.S. bridges.

Susan Palu, Hussam Mahmoud

Mentions

51
Peak: 2 in Oct 2019
across 5 sources since Oct 2019

Extended reach

841,504
potential audience

Total likes

20,161

Video views

785,403

Mentions per month

Oct 2019 – Jun 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News36 articles
  • X / Twitter6 posts
  • Blogs5 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several discussions question the validity of the study, as seen in posts dismissing the research's warnings, while others recognize the concrete threats posed to bridges, especially in climate-vulnerable regions. The tone varies from skepticism to cautious acknowledgment of the importance of maintenance, reflecting differing levels of concern and understanding of the impacts.

AgreementLow agreement

Many discussions dismiss or critique the research, suggesting skepticism about climate change's role or the study's credibility.

InterestModerate interest

The posts indicate a moderate level of interest, with some addressing related issues like infrastructure deterioration and climate impacts.

EngagementNeutral engagement

Overall, the discussions are somewhat surface-level, with limited deep analysis or detailed debate.

ImpactModerate impact

The conversations acknowledge the potential significance of climate-driven infrastructure risks but lack detailed engagement on solutions or policy impacts.

Abstract in brief

  • This study examines how aging US bridges, especially issues with malfunctioning expansion joints and the impacts of climate change, threaten the structural integrity of bridge superstructures, using data across different regions.
  • Researchers found that clogged joints and rising temperatures could cause main load-carrying girders to reach their maximum capacity, significantly increasing the risk of structural failure.
  • The study highlights that regions like the Northern Rockies, Plains, Northwest, and Upper Midwest are most vulnerable, and it suggests a new method to prioritize bridge maintenance and repair efforts amid limited funding and climate challenges.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Dr. Robert Rohde
@RARohde · X

@Daves_Rice @MatthewWielicki Then, I guess these researchers from the CSU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have no idea what they are talking about when they explicitly warn that climate change can increase the rate of deterioration of bridges. https://t.co/m8FRHFL3c4

Jun 26, 2025 · 2 likes · 53,987 followers View post →
Bothe( ̄□ ̄;)
@geschichtenpost · X

Impact of climate change on the integrity of the superstructure of deteriorated U.S. bridges https://t.co/QSW2bgRbWm

Nov 27, 2019 · 943 followers View post →
Bryan O'Loughlin
@bryanoloughlin · X

1 in 4 steel bridges in US ‘could collapse by 2050’ due to extreme temperatures,Dr.Hussam Mahmoud, Susan Palu Colorado State U study, 3 days ago https://t.co/E3oKtwaqV9 Oct 23: “CC Impact on the integrity of the superstructure of deteriorated U.S. bridges” https://t.co/irvzbjEstZ https://t.co/VXSOtF3N2T

Oct 27, 2019 · 548 followers View post →
rmsadkri
@raamesa · X

#PLOSONE: Impact of climate change on the integrity of the superstructure of deteriorated U.S. bridges https://t.co/hundK35V4H

Dec 10, 2019 · 416 followers View post →
DavidBenson
@BensonWSWS · X

The extensive impact of #climatechange is becoming obvious in every aspect of our lives. #Capitalists will sacrifice our lives for a buck. https://t.co/DpPADqyGX8 1 in 4 steel bridges in the US will collapse by 2050 https://t.co/igLjO6zxS9

Sep 2, 2024 · 177 followers View post →
Matthew Richardson
@vettedclimate · X

Bridges are deteriorating and heat stress will make this worse, notably in the Northern Rockies & Plains, Northwest, & Upper Midwest. Prioritize maintenance, especially @SouthDakotaDOT and #NDDOT. #PLOSONE https://t.co/43PU3TXaDF

Oct 24, 2019 · 30 followers View post →

All mentions

Climate Change Threatens US Bridge Integrity and Safety

While they are incredible engineering marvels we dont think about bridges all that much But theres a good reason we should all be thinking about our bridges since theres a weird reason that more of them might be at risk…

SciShow · Sep 4, 2023 283,380 views
Dr. Robert Rohde
@RARohde · X

@Daves_Rice @MatthewWielicki Then, I guess these researchers from the CSU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering have no idea what they are talking about when they explicitly warn that climate change can increase the rate of deterioration of bridges. https://t.co/m8FRHFL3c4

Jun 26, 2025 · 2 likes · 53,987 followers View post →
DavidBenson
@BensonWSWS · X

The extensive impact of #climatechange is becoming obvious in every aspect of our lives. #Capitalists will sacrifice our lives for a buck. https://t.co/DpPADqyGX8 1 in 4 steel bridges in the US will collapse by 2050 https://t.co/igLjO6zxS9

Sep 2, 2024 · 177 followers View post →
rmsadkri
@raamesa · X

#PLOSONE: Impact of climate change on the integrity of the superstructure of deteriorated U.S. bridges https://t.co/hundK35V4H

Dec 10, 2019 · 416 followers View post →
Bothe( ̄□ ̄;)
@geschichtenpost · X

Impact of climate change on the integrity of the superstructure of deteriorated U.S. bridges https://t.co/QSW2bgRbWm

Nov 27, 2019 · 943 followers View post →
Bryan O'Loughlin
@bryanoloughlin · X

1 in 4 steel bridges in US ‘could collapse by 2050’ due to extreme temperatures,Dr.Hussam Mahmoud, Susan Palu Colorado State U study, 3 days ago https://t.co/E3oKtwaqV9 Oct 23: “CC Impact on the integrity of the superstructure of deteriorated U.S. bridges” https://t.co/irvzbjEstZ https://t.co/VXSOtF3N2T

Oct 27, 2019 · 548 followers View post →
Matthew Richardson
@vettedclimate · X

Bridges are deteriorating and heat stress will make this worse, notably in the Northern Rockies & Plains, Northwest, & Upper Midwest. Prioritize maintenance, especially @SouthDakotaDOT and #NDDOT. #PLOSONE https://t.co/43PU3TXaDF

Oct 24, 2019 · 30 followers View post →