Floods directly affect the mechanical resistance, stability, and durability of bridges and remain one of the leading causes of bridge failures worldwide. With climate change increasing the frequency, intensity, and affected area of extreme hydrological events, understanding flood impacts on bridge performance is becoming increasingly important. This paper investigates and demonstrates these impacts through two detailed case studies. The first case study concerns a new concrete girder bridge spanning the Sava-Odra Flood Relief Channel, which was once exposed to a major flood and subsequently repaired. The second case study involves a 90-year-old stone arch bridge located in a mountainous region and exposed to multiple seasonal floods. Rehabilitation after the flood in the first case study and flood protection methods on the second bridge are presented and discussed. Both bridges are visually inspected, including only the accessible parts above water. Results of the visual inspections of the two bridges are presented and discussed, with special focus on damage caused by high water and floods. The condition of both bridges is evaluated using two methods: the method commonly used by Croatian road authorities based on German standards (DIN 1076 RI-EBW-PRUF 2017), and a modern concept focusing on five Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). While both methods yield similar results, the KPI approach provides a broader perspective and supports preventive maintenance and asset management.

bridges; flood; damage; climate change; visual inspection