Ships and barges colliding with each other because of the presence of a bridge, or colliding with bridge piers, is increasingly threatening the safety of people and the integrity of structures, as well as causing disruption to transport routes. It is becoming increasingly important to take into account the problem of ship collisions in the design and construction of new bridges and the protection of existing bridges over inland waterways.
This subject was specially mentioned in the conclusions of the 27th PIANC Congress held in Osaka, Japan in 1990. Subsequently, INCOM Chairman asked some national sections to appoint members for a working group designated as 19.
At the INCOM meeting dated 9th. February 1994, candidates were approved; WG 19 started work and the first meeting was held on January 20th. 1995, at PIANC Headquarters Brussels.
