Life-Cycle Reliability Assessment of Existing RC Bridge Structures under Multiple Hazards Using Inspection Data

Abstract

This study presented a novel methodology to estimate the life-cycle reliability of existing reinforced concrete (RC) corroded bridges under multiple hazards. The life-cycle reliability of a bridge girder under traffic load and airborne chloride hazards was compared with that of a bridge pier under seismic ground motion and airborne chloride hazards. When predicting the life-cycle reliability of existing RC corroded bridges, inspection results could be used to estimate the current material corrosion level. Random variables associated with the estimation of time-variant steel weight loss will be updated to be consistent with the given inspection results by using Sequential Monte Carlo Simulation (SMCS). This updating process can help to conduct reliability assessment more precisely. Comparing life-cycle reliabilities among the bridge components under multiple hazards can help decision maker to determine the priority of intervention and/or maintenance actions possible. The life-cycle reliabilities of two bridge components under multiple hazards using inspection results were presented and discussed.