Structural reliability-based assessment of Nigerian Anogeissus schimperi timber bridge beam in shear and bearing forces

Abstract

This research investigates the reliability of Anogeissus schimperi timber specie grown in North Western Nigeria as a bridge beam in shear and bearing forces. Specimens for laboratory tests were prepared using the timber specie in accordance with BS 373 (1957). Tests were carried out to determine the physical and mechanical properties at 12% moisture content in line with BS 5268 (2002). Statistical analysis was carried out using strength properties obtained and the specie was classified to strength class D60, confirmed to be Hardwood. Anogeissus schimperi timber bridge beam was designed in accordance to BS5268 (2002), using deterministicapproach. While, reliability analysis to confirm the safety level of the timber bridge beam designed was carried out using constant failure rate model in accordance with Jimoh, (2018). Sensitivity analysis to ascertain the safety margin of a simply supported timber bridge beam subjected to Shear and bearing by varying the span, depth, width and live load was carried out. Results of reliability analysis showed that Anogeissus schimperi met the minimum reliability index of 0.5 under ultimate state of loading in Shear and bearing. Safety index was found to be directly proportional to the depth and width but inversely proportional to the span and live loadof the timber bridge beam during Sensitivity Analysis. The result confirmed that Anogeissus schimperi specie from north western Nigeria at 400mm depth, 150mm breadth and 5000mm span under ultimate limit state loading in Shear and bearing can be used as a reliable timber bridge beam material.
 Keywords: Bridge Beam, Nigerian Anogeissus schimperi Reliability, Structural Material, Timber, Ultimate Limit State.