A methodology for assessment of existing concrete bridges. Reliability analysis of an existing concrete bridge

Abstract

The article presents a methodology for the reliability assesment of existing concrete bridges. The methods used for the probabilistic modeling of loads effects and structural response are exposed. The proposed methods allow to take into account the test results for the updating of mechanical parameters. On the other hand, a simplified proposal to introduce the non-linear begaviour of linear members in the reliability analysis is presented. An existing prestressed concrete bridge is analyzed to evaluate its remaining structural capacity.