Time-dependent reliability analysis for a set of RC T-beam bridges under realistic traffic considering creep and shrinkage

Abstract

Reinforced concrete bridges constitute the major part of existing bridges. The purpose of this paper is to present a serviceability evaluation methodology for RC bridges under probabilistic conditions. It will be based on analytical calculations with no need to complex modeling or advanced software. For this purpose, a realistic traffic model is simulated based on existing weigh-in-motion WIM data from some European sites. The probabilistic distributions of the time-dependent load effects, moment and deflection, are then deduced after hundreds of simulations. The degradation effects are introduced in the analysis by considering the concrete creep and shrinkage. A simplified model to introduce creep effect under variable traffic load is also proposed. The time dependent reliability indices are then calculated for a set of 21 simply supported RC T-beam bridges with varying parameters such as span lengths, number of girders, girder spacing and number of design lanes. The first order reliability method FORM, is used in the reliability calculation in order to evaluate the structural performance under the considered failure scenario.