Abstract
The parameters affecting structural reliability are usually regarded as independent random variables in the current reliability analyses of bridge structures while the randomness of these structural parameters in spatial distribution is neglected. To overcome this disadvantage, the random field model should be used to describe their probability distribution. In this paper, a structural reliability analysis method considering the effect of a random field is proposed, and its validity is verified by three numerical case studies. A prestressed concrete (PSC) box-girder bridge with a main span of 150 m is selected for demonstration, and the importance sampling (IS) method is applied to estimate its failure probability, in which the influences of shrinkage and creep, stress relaxation, and shear lag on the time-dependent performance of the structure are taken into account. In addition, the random fields of the structure are discretized by using the local average method (LAM). Finally, the effects of random field parameters, such as the number of discrete elements, correlation model, and correlation length, on the reliability of the box-girder bridge are discussed.
Highlights
The serviceability and durability of bridges are gradually reduced due to the influence of various deterioration factors during service, which may even lead to accidents involving safety [1,2]
The results show that spatial variability has a great effect on the failure probability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures
Previous studies show that the uncertainty in shrinkage and creep models has a significant influence on the evaluation of long-term responses of prestressed concrete (PSC) bridges [20], which should be taken into account in the reliability analysis of PSC bridges
Summary
The serviceability and durability of bridges are gradually reduced due to the influence of various deterioration factors during service, which may even lead to accidents involving safety [1,2]. To provide the scientific basis for diagnosis of structural health and maintenance decisions to ensure the safe operation of bridges, it is necessary to evaluate the service status of bridges throughout their whole service lives Factors, such as material properties, load conditions, geometric characteristics, and steel corrosion, etc., show considerable randomness and have significant influence on the mechanical properties of prestressed concrete (PSC) bridges. Guo [12] presented the time-dependent reliability of a PSC box-girder bridge by using the stochastic finite element method, in which the combined effects of creep, shrinkage, and steel corrosion were taken into account. Previous studies show that the uncertainty in shrinkage and creep models has a significant influence on the evaluation of long-term responses of PSC bridges [20], which should be taken into account in the reliability analysis of PSC bridges.
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