Seismic performance assessment of concrete bridges with traffic-induced fatigue damage

Abstract

This paper proposes a universal analytical method for the seismic performance assessment of concrete bridges with initial fatigue damage caused by traffic loads. Load modeling is firstly performed, and random models of traffic load and seismic loads are established using stochastic processes. Subsequently, the theoretical approach for deterministic seismic response analysis of concrete bridges with initial traffic-induced fatigue damage is established by a combination of the micro-meso stochastic damage constitutive models and the finite element numerical method. In this manner, the seismic damage and failure mechanism of concrete bridges with initial fatigue damage can be elucidated. Further, considering the randomness of loads, the stochastic seismic analytical framework of concrete bridges damaged by traffic loads is put forward, in accordance with the probability space partition-based random load combination method and the probability density evolution theory. In such a way, the seismic reliability and safety of existing damaged concrete bridges can be well evaluated. Finally, a railway concrete bridge, as a practical engineering application, is investigated to validate the applicability of the proposed method.