Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications

Girmay Mengesha Azanaw

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14

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Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications

Girmay Mengesha Azanaw^*

Published in American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (Volume 9, Issue 2)

Received: 25 March 2025 Accepted: 30 April 2025 Published: 29 May 2025

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Abstract

This comprehensive review explores the potential for reusing steel bridge members with fatigue damage in new structural applications, emphasizing the transition towards a circular economy in the construction industry. Steel bridges, known for their durability, often face fatigue-related degradation due to cyclic loading, leading to their decommissioning. However, with advancements in non-destructive testing (NDT), structural health monitoring (SHM), and repair technologies, these components can be repurposed effectively for secondary uses in both bridge and building structures. This paper examines key methods for assessing fatigue damage, including traditional NDT techniques such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and newer machine learning-based SHM systems that provide real-time monitoring of fatigue progression. Additionally, innovative repair and strengthening strategies, such as the use of advanced composites and structural retrofitting, are reviewed to restore residual strength and extend the service life of damaged steel members. Design integration for reused steel components is also explored, focusing on safety and performance, and including the application of computational models to validate design changes. The environmental and economic benefits of steel reuse are discussed, highlighting reduced carbon footprints, minimized resource consumption, and cost savings, while contributing to a circular economy framework. The paper provides case studies and real-world applications where reused steel components have been successfully integrated into new infrastructure projects. Lastly, the paper identifies gaps in current policies, standards, and regulations, offering recommendations for accelerating the adoption of circular economy principles in steel construction. This review is crucial for fostering sustainability in structural engineering and paves the way for future research on enhancing the reuse potential of fatigue-damaged steel bridge members.

Published in	American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (Volume 9, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14
Page(s)	64-75
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Circular Economy, Steel Reuse, Fatigue Damage, Structural Health Monitoring, Sustainability

References

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APA Style

Azanaw, G. M. (2025). Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications. American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, 9(2), 64-75. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14

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ACS Style

Azanaw, G. M. Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications. Am. J. Mech. Mater. Eng. 2025, 9(2), 64-75. doi: 10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14

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AMA Style

Azanaw GM. Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications. Am J Mech Mater Eng. 2025;9(2):64-75. doi: 10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14

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@article{10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14,
  author = {Girmay Mengesha Azanaw},
  title = {Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications
},
  journal = {American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {64-75},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajmme.20250902.14},
  abstract = {This comprehensive review explores the potential for reusing steel bridge members with fatigue damage in new structural applications, emphasizing the transition towards a circular economy in the construction industry. Steel bridges, known for their durability, often face fatigue-related degradation due to cyclic loading, leading to their decommissioning. However, with advancements in non-destructive testing (NDT), structural health monitoring (SHM), and repair technologies, these components can be repurposed effectively for secondary uses in both bridge and building structures. This paper examines key methods for assessing fatigue damage, including traditional NDT techniques such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and newer machine learning-based SHM systems that provide real-time monitoring of fatigue progression. Additionally, innovative repair and strengthening strategies, such as the use of advanced composites and structural retrofitting, are reviewed to restore residual strength and extend the service life of damaged steel members. Design integration for reused steel components is also explored, focusing on safety and performance, and including the application of computational models to validate design changes. The environmental and economic benefits of steel reuse are discussed, highlighting reduced carbon footprints, minimized resource consumption, and cost savings, while contributing to a circular economy framework. The paper provides case studies and real-world applications where reused steel components have been successfully integrated into new infrastructure projects. Lastly, the paper identifies gaps in current policies, standards, and regulations, offering recommendations for accelerating the adoption of circular economy principles in steel construction. This review is crucial for fostering sustainability in structural engineering and paves the way for future research on enhancing the reuse potential of fatigue-damaged steel bridge members.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications

AU  - Girmay Mengesha Azanaw
Y1  - 2025/05/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14
T2  - American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
JF  - American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
JO  - American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
SP  - 64
EP  - 75
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2639-9652
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14
AB  - This comprehensive review explores the potential for reusing steel bridge members with fatigue damage in new structural applications, emphasizing the transition towards a circular economy in the construction industry. Steel bridges, known for their durability, often face fatigue-related degradation due to cyclic loading, leading to their decommissioning. However, with advancements in non-destructive testing (NDT), structural health monitoring (SHM), and repair technologies, these components can be repurposed effectively for secondary uses in both bridge and building structures. This paper examines key methods for assessing fatigue damage, including traditional NDT techniques such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and newer machine learning-based SHM systems that provide real-time monitoring of fatigue progression. Additionally, innovative repair and strengthening strategies, such as the use of advanced composites and structural retrofitting, are reviewed to restore residual strength and extend the service life of damaged steel members. Design integration for reused steel components is also explored, focusing on safety and performance, and including the application of computational models to validate design changes. The environmental and economic benefits of steel reuse are discussed, highlighting reduced carbon footprints, minimized resource consumption, and cost savings, while contributing to a circular economy framework. The paper provides case studies and real-world applications where reused steel components have been successfully integrated into new infrastructure projects. Lastly, the paper identifies gaps in current policies, standards, and regulations, offering recommendations for accelerating the adoption of circular economy principles in steel construction. This review is crucial for fostering sustainability in structural engineering and paves the way for future research on enhancing the reuse potential of fatigue-damaged steel bridge members.

VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Girmay Mengesha Azanaw

Civil Engineering Department, Institute of Technology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0009-7187-6572

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APA Style

Azanaw, G. M. (2025). Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications. American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, 9(2), 64-75. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14

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ACS Style

Azanaw, G. M. Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications. Am. J. Mech. Mater. Eng. 2025, 9(2), 64-75. doi: 10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14

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AMA Style

Azanaw GM. Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications. Am J Mech Mater Eng. 2025;9(2):64-75. doi: 10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14,
  author = {Girmay Mengesha Azanaw},
  title = {Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications
},
  journal = {American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {64-75},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajmme.20250902.14},
  abstract = {This comprehensive review explores the potential for reusing steel bridge members with fatigue damage in new structural applications, emphasizing the transition towards a circular economy in the construction industry. Steel bridges, known for their durability, often face fatigue-related degradation due to cyclic loading, leading to their decommissioning. However, with advancements in non-destructive testing (NDT), structural health monitoring (SHM), and repair technologies, these components can be repurposed effectively for secondary uses in both bridge and building structures. This paper examines key methods for assessing fatigue damage, including traditional NDT techniques such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and newer machine learning-based SHM systems that provide real-time monitoring of fatigue progression. Additionally, innovative repair and strengthening strategies, such as the use of advanced composites and structural retrofitting, are reviewed to restore residual strength and extend the service life of damaged steel members. Design integration for reused steel components is also explored, focusing on safety and performance, and including the application of computational models to validate design changes. The environmental and economic benefits of steel reuse are discussed, highlighting reduced carbon footprints, minimized resource consumption, and cost savings, while contributing to a circular economy framework. The paper provides case studies and real-world applications where reused steel components have been successfully integrated into new infrastructure projects. Lastly, the paper identifies gaps in current policies, standards, and regulations, offering recommendations for accelerating the adoption of circular economy principles in steel construction. This review is crucial for fostering sustainability in structural engineering and paves the way for future research on enhancing the reuse potential of fatigue-damaged steel bridge members.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Towards a Circular Economy: A Comprehensive Review on the Reuse of Steel Bridge Members with Fatigue Damage in Structural Applications

AU  - Girmay Mengesha Azanaw
Y1  - 2025/05/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14
T2  - American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
JF  - American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
JO  - American Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
SP  - 64
EP  - 75
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2639-9652
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajmme.20250902.14
AB  - This comprehensive review explores the potential for reusing steel bridge members with fatigue damage in new structural applications, emphasizing the transition towards a circular economy in the construction industry. Steel bridges, known for their durability, often face fatigue-related degradation due to cyclic loading, leading to their decommissioning. However, with advancements in non-destructive testing (NDT), structural health monitoring (SHM), and repair technologies, these components can be repurposed effectively for secondary uses in both bridge and building structures. This paper examines key methods for assessing fatigue damage, including traditional NDT techniques such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and newer machine learning-based SHM systems that provide real-time monitoring of fatigue progression. Additionally, innovative repair and strengthening strategies, such as the use of advanced composites and structural retrofitting, are reviewed to restore residual strength and extend the service life of damaged steel members. Design integration for reused steel components is also explored, focusing on safety and performance, and including the application of computational models to validate design changes. The environmental and economic benefits of steel reuse are discussed, highlighting reduced carbon footprints, minimized resource consumption, and cost savings, while contributing to a circular economy framework. The paper provides case studies and real-world applications where reused steel components have been successfully integrated into new infrastructure projects. Lastly, the paper identifies gaps in current policies, standards, and regulations, offering recommendations for accelerating the adoption of circular economy principles in steel construction. This review is crucial for fostering sustainability in structural engineering and paves the way for future research on enhancing the reuse potential of fatigue-damaged steel bridge members.

VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

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