It is well known that climate change is increasing global temperature. According to NASA Global Climate Change studies, it is expected to reach or exceed an overall global rise of 1.5ºC every decade. This will cause severe effects on several aspects, including critical structures, such as metallic bridges. Concrete and steel bridges are susceptible to expansion and contraction during extreme heat, which can cause cracks and weak the overall structure.

In this context, this work proposes an activity framed in an applied mathematics subject of the Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. It is proposed to apply a simplified modelization of heat propagation in a steel bridge subjected to extreme temperature variations associated with global warming. Thus, it is proposed to use the heat equation to model temperature varying along the position and time for a bridge of length L, and to obtain the analytic resolution of this partial differential equation, which can be also numerically solved. In this way, it will help to describe the temperature evolution within the bridge and consequently support to assess its impact on the metallic expansion and contraction.

This work presents an activity that not only helps engineering students of an applied maths subject to deal with a real-world application while practising with analytical solutions of partial differential equations, but only raises awareness of the importance to encourage Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation. In particular, it is expected to contribute SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting the maintenance and design of resilient critical structures, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing tools to adapt measures to mitigate risks in these critical structures.

Keywords: Partial Differential Equations, Heat Equation, Sustainable Development Goals, Industrial Engineering.