Comparative analysis of traffic loads on bridge superstructures according to ukrainian design standards and nato military standards stanag/tdtc

Introduction. The increasing intensity and weight of both civilian and military traffic pose significant challenges to bridge engineering, requiring continuous updates and improvements in the assessment methods of load-bearing capacity and structural safety. Ukrainian infrastructure objects damaged during the Russo-Ukrainian war — particularly bridges — require urgent restoration and reliability assurance. This study conducts a comparative analysis of Ukrainian State Building Codes (DBN) and the NATO Tri-Partite Design and Test Code for Military Bridging and Gap-Crossing Equipment (TDTC). The findings help assess the compatibility of existing civilian bridges with modern military equipment and provide recommendations for designers regarding the implementation of foreign military standards. The publication contributes to the harmonization of Ukrainian building norms with international standards within the context of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Problem Statement. The core issue addressed in this research is the lack of open data on bridge performance under military loads and the need for a systematic comparison between civil and military bridge engineering methodologies. The Russo-Ukrainian war has highlighted infrastructural vulnerabilities, generating an urgent demand for the comparative assessment of design standards. The civil sector emphasizes accuracy and lifecycle optimization via probabilistic models, while the military sector prioritizes speed and tactical mobility through simplified, deterministic systems such as the MLC (Military Load Classification). Previous studies have revealed critical knowledge gaps, including insufficient analysis of the dynamic interaction between military convoys, a lack of standardized cross-assessment protocols, and limited access to data on military vehicle movement. These challenges hinder comprehensive engineering assessments and the secure, uninterrupted functioning of Ukrainian infrastructure.