Time-dependent Reliability Analysis of Timber-Concrete Composite Beams

Abstract

Timber-concrete composite system is increasing the use of timber in construction because some structures could not be built by timber alone, but it becomes possible with this composite system. The deterioration of structures in service is generally uncertain over time, therefore the appropriate approach for the structural analysis is a time-dependent reliability analysis that considers the randomness and uncertainties of deterioration process over a time period. This paper describes two methods for time dependent reliability analysis, random variable deterioration rate model and gamma process model, and compares the deterioration prediction as well as service life estimation of timber-concrete composite beams under normal use based on proposed models.