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Life‐Cycle Performance of RC Bridges: Probabilistic Approach
Author(s) -
Val Dimitri V.,
Stewart Mark G.,
Melchers Robert E.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
computer‐aided civil and infrastructure engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.773
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1467-8667
pISSN - 1093-9687
DOI - 10.1111/0885-9507.00167
Subject(s) - serviceability (structure) , probabilistic logic , reliability (semiconductor) , bridge (graph theory) , reinforced concrete , service life , structural engineering , reliability engineering , computer science , bayesian probability , statistical model , engineering , machine learning , artificial intelligence , medicine , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
This article addresses the problem of reliability assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) bridges during their service life. First, a probabilistic model for assessment of time‐dependent reliability of RC bridges is presented, with particular emphasis placed on deterioration of bridges due to corrosion of reinforcing steel. The model takes into account uncertainties associated with materials properties, bridge dimensions, loads, and corrosion initiation and propagation. Time‐dependent reliabilities are considered for ultimate and serviceability limit states. Examples illustrate the application of the model. Second, updating of predictive probabilistic models using site‐specific data is considered. Bayesian statistical theory that provides a mathematical basis for such updating is outlined briefly, and its implementation for the updating of information about bridge properties using inspection data is described in more detail. An example illustrates the effect of this updating on bridge reliability.