<p>Model tests are crucial for bridge engineering research, especially in the design, construction, and safety evaluation of super-large bridges. This paper summarizes the results of model tests in bridge design, construction, and operation and maintenance research. We look forward to future research focus and development direction based on the application cases of model tests in typical and major bridge projects at home and abroad. Research results show that in the design stage of bridges, model tests can visually verify the static strength, dynamic response, and fatigue damage mechanism of the structure, optimize the compatibility of new materials and topological structures, identify design weak links, and reduce trial and error costs. During the construction phase of bridges, model tests can simulate complex key procedures, monitor deformation and stress changes in real-time, identify potential risks, evaluate safety plans, optimize process parameters and procedures, and improve construction safety. During bridge operations and maintenance, model tests can accurately simulate the coupling effect of diseases and the environment, analyze the dynamic characteristics of the structure, verify and correct theoretical models, reveal parameter sensitivity laws, evaluate the effectiveness of active/passive control strategies, and support predictive maintenance decisions. The future direction of research is to enhance the multi-field coupling tests of scaled models by using advanced manufacturing technologies and exploring the adaptive optimization of test parameters driven by digital models. The material selection for scaled-down physical models and the associated errors in simulating structural nonlinearity due to scaling effects warrant further research.</p>