RELIABILITY OF CONCRETE COLUMN EXPOSED TO ACCIDENTAL ACTION DUE TO IMPACT

Abstract

Reliability analysis of a reinforced concrete bridge column exposed to persistent and accidental design situations is based on the application of probabilistic methods. Principles and rules of the Eurocodes and recommendations given in UIC 777-2 R are taken into account. Accidental design situation due to impact caused by the rail traffic under the bridge is considered. Results of the analysis show, that the reliability of the designed bridge column is sufficient at the persistent design situation (the reliability index β is approximately 4,7 for one year). The probability of the column failure given accidental impact of rail traffic determined using probabilistic methods seems to be relatively high, around 0,3. The total probability of failure for the bridge column, taking into account both the persistent and accidental designed situation, may exceed the target value 1,3×10−6 (β=4,7) recommended in EN 1990. Further research of bridge columns and other structures near railway under impact loading should be focused on probabilistic models of accidental impact forces and on probabilistic risk assessment using appropriate data for possible consequences of structural failure. INTRODUCTION PROBABILITY ASSESSMENT OF THE COLUMN FAILURE LOAD COMBINATIONS RELIABILITY ANALYSIS CONCLUSIONS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS REFERENCES