Proof load testing for bridge assessment and upgrading

Bridge deterioration with time and ever increasing traffic loads raise concerns about reliability of aging bridges. One of the ways to check reliability of aging bridges is proof load testing. A successful proof load test demonstrates immediately that the resistance of a bridge is greater than the proof load. This reduces uncertainty in the bridge resistance and so increases the bridge reliability. The paper considers a reliability-based calibration of intensities of proof loads for aging bridges to verify either an existing or increased load rating taking into account possible bridge deterioration. Intensities of proof loads are calibrated based on a consistent target reliability index. The influence of test risk, dead to live load ratio, and uncertainties associated with dead and live loads and bridge resistance is considered. The results presented in the paper relate to short and medium span bridges.     

A hybrid experimental-numerical approach for load rating of reinforced concrete bridges with insufficient structural properties

This article presents a non-destructive approach for load rating of reinforced concrete bridges without structural plans. The approach is found on a hybrid method, which employs vibration and live load testing coupled with numerical simulation and model updating techniques, to converge on estimate of unknown structural parameters. The material properties of bridge and the amount of reinforcing steel for calculating the bending capacity of a bridge are determined through model updating results and nondestructive approaches. The updated model is then employed to determine load effects for calculating load rating factors, and these results are combined with live load test result to arrive at the bridge capacity, and ultimately the load rating. The method is validated by testing a skewed reinforced concrete slab bridge for load rating purposes. The bridge was instrumented with accelerometers and strain gages, and the responses of the bridge under vibration and quasi-static tests were measured. Results demonstrated that the proposed method is capable of determining the bridge capacity and load rating factor with good accuracy, and not only can be used for load rating of concrete bridges without structural information, but also can be useful in condition assessment of existing concrete bridge with available as-built information.     

Simplified probabilistic non-linear assessment of existing railway bridges

An objective of the European Commission's Sixth Framework Research Project, Sustainable Bridges, is to advance understanding of the behaviour of existing railway bridges and develop tools to assess their ability to safely handle future traffic demands and extend their service lives. This paper presents the findings of a study that reviews structural safety models applicable to the assessment of existing bridges. The study proposes the use of simplified probabilistic non-linear structural analysis methods to provide more accurate assessments of the load capacity of bridge systems than traditional methods. The simplified methods use the results of a limited number of deterministic non-linear structural analyses and apply these results into a reliability framework. The application of the proposed methods is illustrated by assessing the safety of an existing bridge. The accuracy and efficiency of the simplified methods are verified by comparing the results of the simplified methods to those obtained from full probabilistic non-linear analysis procedures.     

The use of micro-simulation for congested traffic load modeling of medium- and long-span bridges

This paper presents a new approach to the modeling of congested traffic loading events on long span bridges. Conventional traffic load models are based on weigh-in-motion data of non-congested traffic, or something similar to a Poisson Arrival process. In neither case do they account for the mixing between lanes that takes place as traffic becomes congested. It is shown here that cars move out from between trucks as traffic slows down which results in a higher frequency of long platoons of trucks in the slow lane of the bridge. These longer platoons increase some characteristic load effects under the slow lane by a modest but significant amount. Micro-simulation, the process of modeling individual vehicles that is widely used in traffic modeling, is presented here as a means of predicting imposed traffic loading on long-span bridges more accurately. The traffic flow on a congested bridge is modelled using a random mixing process for trucks and cars in each lane, where each vehicle is modelled individually with driver behaviour parameters assigned randomly in a Monte Carlo process. Over a number of simulated kilometres, the vehicles move between lanes in simulated lane-changing manoeuvres. The algorithm was calibrated against video recordings of traffic on a bridge in the Netherlands. Extreme value statistics of measured strains on the bridge are then compared to the corresponding simulation statistics to validate the model. The micro-simulation algorithm shows that the histograms of truck platoon length are moderately affected by lane changing. This in turn is shown to influence some characteristic load effects of the bridge deck.     

Response of under-deck cable-stayed bridges to the accidental breakage of stay cables

Under-deck cable-stayed bridges with prestressed concrete decks have recently been shown to be appropriate structural types for highway overpasses. However, doubts have emerged regarding their capability to withstand the accidental breakage of stay cables, due to collisions with heavy vehicles, without collapsing. In this paper, two distinct parametric analyses are conducted on two different bridges, each of which is representative of this bridge type, in order to study their response due to the breakage of stay cables. The response is assessed through fully dynamic analyses, rather than pseudo-dynamic analysis (via the use of dynamic amplification factors), since the latter method has been shown to be un-conservative in some cases. In both parametric analyses different scenarios, i.e., different parameters, relating to the type of breakage, the time over which breakage occurs, the number of broken stay cables, the type of deviators and the amount of applied traffic live load are considered. In the present study, the capability of this bridge type to easily overcome this accidental action, with a higher degree of safety than that required by codes, is clearly demonstrated. In fact, the analysed bridges do not reach any ultimate limit-state even if 40% of their stay cables are suddenly broken when 100% of the traffic live load is applied. In addition, a set of design criteria closely related with this issue are established.     

A verification of simplified analysis method for thermal prestressing in continuous composite bridge

The use of thermal-prestressing method (TPSM) prevents the occurrence of tensile transverse crack in concrete decks located in negative bending moment regions of continuous composite bridges. An accurate representation of the structural response can be obtained by means of refined analyses using three-dimensional finite element models to carry out both heat transfer and thermo-elastic calculations. So, a simplified approach was proposed for easily using the TPSM effect in design to reduce the amount of computational work of the refined analysis, but its application to real structure was not confirmed. Therefore, in this study, the verification of a simplified analysis approach has been performed to explain TPSM effects in the analysis of continuous composite bridges. For this purpose, experimental results on 2-span thermal prestressed continuous composite bridge specimens were compared with simplified analysis and refined analysis results as well as analytical approach on 2-span and 3-span continuous composite bridges. From the verification results, the proposed simplified TPSM analysis methodology shows the good predictions of the thermal prestressing effect to apply design of TPSM applied continuous composite bridges.     

Structural adequacy assessment of a disused flat bottom rail wagon as road bridge deck

This paper presents half of a full scale experimental testing technique for assessing the structural adequacy of a disused flat bottom rail wagon (FBW) for low volume, heavy axle load road bridge applications. The aim of this ongoing research project is to develop sufficient knowledge required for achieving significant economy and safety of the heavy axle transportation system in regional government council roads. In the absence of such knowledge, the viability of replacing/rehabilitating the ageing bridges could not be economically justified, mainly due to low volume traffic and the costs of alternate solutions using new materials for heavy axle load demands.This study describes a comprehensive laboratory testing of half of a single lane, single span bridge deck and an associated three dimensional finite element modeling. The novel idea in the paper is to enforce the transverse continuity conditions along the longitudinal edge of the half of full scale bridge so that the single FBW tested will mimic the behaviour of a double FBW deck for a single lane road bridge under heavy axle design loads. Several serviceability and ultimate load tests, conforming to the Australian bridge design traffic loads applied at critical locations of the FBW system are reported in the paper. The test results demonstrate that the FBW possesses sufficient structural strength and can service the required design traffic loads.     

基于规范车辆荷载模型的三塔悬索桥中间塔鞍座抗滑安全评估

中间塔鞍座抗滑安全是三塔悬索桥设计的关键问题之一,其特点与传统两塔悬索桥不同.根据鞍座与主缆间的抗滑力学模型,中间塔两侧的不平衡车辆荷载是导致主缆与鞍座滑移的主要因素.由于三塔悬索桥体系存在明显的几何非线性特性,通过分析明确了对于中间塔抗滑问题,不考虑车辆荷 .载的几何非线性是偏安全的,于是可选用基于叠加原理的线性理论计算车辆荷载效应.基于规范车辆荷载模型的中间塔鞍座抗滑安全评估表明,不同规范标准下的车辆荷载都能保证中间塔鞍座的抗滑安全,但相应的抗滑安全水平存在差异.因此为获取更加精细化的评估结果,有必要在桥梁实际工作状态下开展进一步的研究.     

大跨度斜拉桥智能可靠度评估方法研究

针对既有大跨度斜拉桥的评估管理系统中的可靠度评估问题,提出了基于RBF网络与Monte Carlo结合的可靠度评估方法。建立了招宝山大桥快速分析的RBF网络模型,网络训练样本按均匀设计方法,考虑几何非线性因素由ANSYS软件分析得到。对运营期的招宝山大桥进行了两类失效模式,三种极限状态下的可靠度评估,并分析了不同活载模式、不同功能函数及不同检测期对可靠度评估结果的影响。分析表明:基于RBF-MC的可靠度分析方法具有速度快、精度高的优点,并能同时计算多极限状态下的结构可靠指标,特别适合在基于可靠度的桥梁管理系统中采用;活载布置方式、选取的功能函数均影响可靠度评估的结果,招宝山大桥不同检测期可靠度水平变化不大,且均处于安全可靠状态。     

Life-cycle reliability assessment of reinforced concrete bridges under multiple hazards

This paper proposes a novel probabilistic methodology for estimating the life-cycle reliability of existing reinforced concrete (RC) bridges under multiple hazards. The life-cycle reliability of an RC bridge pier under seismic and airborne chloride hazards is compared to that of a bridge girder under traffic and airborne chloride hazards. When conducting a life-cycle reliability assessment of existing RC bridges, observational data from inspections can provide the corrosion level in reinforcement steel. Random variables related with the prediction of time-variant steel weight loss can be updated based on the inspection results using Sequential Monte Carlo Simulation (SMCS). This paper presents a novel procedure for identifying the hazards that most threaten the structural safety of existing RC bridges, as well as the structural components with the lowest reliability when these bridges are exposed to multiple hazards. The proposed approach, using inspection results associated with steel weight loss, provides a rational reliability assessment framework that allows comparison between the life-cycle reliabilities of bridge components under multiple hazards, helping the prioritisation of maintenance actions. The effect of the number of inspection locations on the updated reliability is considered by incorporating the spatial steel corrosion distribution. An illustrative example is provided of applying the proposed life-cyle reliability assessment to a hypothetical RC bridge under multiple hazards.     

Bridge dynamics and aerodynamics: design and practical requirements for high structural performance and safety

Abstract

Bridge dynamics and aerodynamics have been in many cases overlooked in the design stages and consequent low behaviour performance and safety margin have been not rarely observed and detected by means of structural monitoring of the bridge soon after it is brought into full service. In this paper, a selection of important issues regarding design and practical requirements for a high structural performance of main components of conventional and cable-stayed bridges are pointed out and discussed briefly. The paper encompasses sections describing some relevant aspects regarding the numerical and physical modelling of the structural system and the mathematical modelling of the dynamic and aerodynamic loads. Special attention is given to the dynamic interaction between vehicles and structures of roadways and railway bridges and also to the aeroelastic analyses of bridges′ behaviour and their consequent implications on the structural performance of a bridge during its service life. Case examples of actual bridges subjected to dynamic forces produced by the traffic of heavy vehicles and by the wind action are explored to depict the main sources of problems which in some cases caused structural misbehaviour. Some practical measures to improve the behaviour and performance of bridge structures are outlined.     

Traffic load modelling based on structural health monitoring data

Live and fatigue load models are foundations for the life-cycle design of highway bridges. Many highway bridges are now equipped with structural health monitoring (SHM) systems, which provide valuable data to establish load models. In this paper, traffic load models of the Binzhou Yellow River Highway Bridge are developed based on the field measurement of vehicles by an existing SHM system. The probabilistic distribution model and extreme value distribution of gross vehicle weight are statistically analysed using the monitoring data. The results indicate that they follow the bimodal lognormal and Gumbel distributions, respectively. The fatigue load spectrum is also studied. The logistic model is employed to predict the long-term traffic volume, and its parameters of the logistic model are updated using the monitored traffic volume. The combination of the fatigue load spectrum and the traffic volume forecast using the updated logistic model provides a load model for estimation of fatigue damage evolution of bridges.     

Risk-based importance factors for bridge networks under highway traffic loads

This paper proposes a risk analysis framework for the quantification of the importance to a highway network of bridges subjected to overweight traffic loads. First, the level of risk to the network is quantified taking into consideration current bridge safety levels and the consequences of their failures. A risk mitigation strategy is proposed through the calibration of importance factors that can be used during bridge design and rating processes to induce different levels of risk reduction in the network. The applicability of the method is illustrated through the analysis and the calibration of importance factors for bridges of a network composed by interstate highways and principal state roads in New York State (NYS) which includes 1,315 typical bridges. Analysis results show that traffic delays constitute the major consequence of bridge failure representing 61% of the total risk while the second major risk component is the maintenance of bridges that accounts for about 21%. It is also observed that the relationship between bridge importance factors and risk is well represented by a power law equation.     

A practical multi-lane factor model of bridges based on multi-truck presence considering lane load disparities

Many bridge design specifications consider multi-lane factors (MLFs) a critical component of the traffic load model. Measured multi-lane traffic data generally exhibit significant lane disparities in traffic loads over multiple lanes. However, these disparities are not considered in current specifications. To address this drawback, a multi-coefficient MLF model was developed based on an improved probabilistic statistical approach that considers the presence of multiple trucks. The proposed MLF model and approach were calibrated and demonstrated through an example site. The model sensitivity analysis demonstrated the significant influence of lane disparity of truck traffic volume and truck weight distribution on the MLF. Using the proposed approach, the experimental site study yielded MLFs comparable with those directly calculated using traffic load effects. The exclusion of overloaded trucks caused the proposed approach, existing design specifications, and conventional approach of ignoring lane load disparity to generate comparable MLFs, while the MLFs based on the proposed approach were the most comprehensive. The inclusion of overloaded trucks caused the conventional approach and design specifications to overestimate the MLFs significantly. Finally, the benefits of the research results to bridge practitioners were discussed.     

Investigation of Live Load Deflection Limit for Steel Cable Stayed and Suspension Bridges

Long span bridges such as steel cable stayed and suspension bridges are usually more flexible than short to medium span bridges and expected to have large deformations. Deflections due to live load for long span bridges are important since it controls the overall heights of the bridge for securing the clearance under the bridge and serviceability for securing the comfort of passengers or pedestrians. In case of sea-crossing bridges, the clearance of bridges is determined considering the height of the ship master from the surface of the water, the trim of the ship, the psychological free space, the tide height, and live load deflection. In the design of bridges, live load deflection is limited to a certain value to minimize the vibrations. However, there are not much studies that consider the live load deflection and its effects for long span bridges. The purpose of this study is to investigate the suitability of live load deflection limit and its actual effects on serviceability of bridges for steel cable-stayed and suspension bridges. Analytical study is performed to calculate the natural frequencies and deflections by design live load. Results are compared with various design limits and related studies by Barker et al. (2011) and Saadeghvaziri et al. (2012). Two long span bridges are selected for the case study, Yi Sun-Sin grand bridge (suspension bridge, main span length?=?1545 m) and Young-Hung grand bridge (cable stayed bridge, main span length?=?240 m). Long-term measured deflection data by GNSS system are collected from Yi Sun-Sin grand bridge and compared with the theoretical values. Probability of exceedance against various deflection limits are calculated from probability distribution of 10-min maximum deflection. The results of the study on the limitation of live load deflection are expected to be useful reference for the design, the proper planning and deflection review of the long span bridges around the world.     

Buckling restrained braces as structural fuses for the seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete bridge bents

A structural fuse concept is proposed in which easily replaceable ductile structural steel elements are added to an RC bridge bent to increase its strength and stiffness, and also designed to sustain the seismic demand and dissipate all the seismic energy through hysteretic behavior of the fuses, while keeping the RC bridge piers elastic. While this concept could be implemented in both new and existing bridges, the focus here is on the retrofit of non-ductile reinforced concrete bridge bents. Several types of structural fuses can be used and implemented in bridges; the focus in this paper is on using Buckling Restrained Braces (BRB) for the retrofit of RC bridge bents. The results of a parametric formulation conducted introducing key parameters for the design procedure of the fuse system, validated by nonlinear time history analyses are presented. A proposed design procedure, using BRBs as metallic structural fuses, is found to be sufficiently reliable to design structural fuse systems with satisfactory seismic performance. A graphical representation to help find admissible solutions is used, and shows that the region of admissible solution decreases when the frame strength ratio increases as a larger fuse element is required to achieve an effective structural fuse concept.     

System reliability models for bridges

There is a need for efficient bridge evaluation procedures. A considerable number of existing bridges in the United States require repair and/or replacement. Accurate estimate of the current strength and the remaining life time is essential for optimum distribution of the available limited resources. The major parameters which determine the structural performance are random variables. Statistical models of load and resistance can be derived from the test data, observations and analysis. For bridge members the reliability can be calculated using this available data, observations and analysis. considerable discrepancy between the reliability level of individual members and the overall bridge reliability. Due to load sharing and redundancies, the actual load-carrying capacity often exceeds the theoretical value. System reliability methods allow us to reveal an actual safety reserve in the structure. This paper summarizes the practical bridge reliability models. Using a special sampling technique, the reliability is evaluated for typical girder bridges.     

深圳特区公路简支梁桥设计荷载效应国内外规范比较研究

本文以英国、美国、香港规范和国内城A及汽 超 2 0荷载标准为基础 ,结合常用跨径的简支梁桥为例 ,以组合总效应相等的原则 ,进行影响线加载计算 ,得出各种荷载效应的相对系数 ,为特区该类型桥梁的设计提供参考     

昆明二环路系统桥梁结构荷载等级的分析

昆明市主城二环路系统是由高架系统和地面系统构成的双层系统。分析了影响桥梁结构荷载等级的主要因素:相关规范规定、交通功能及服务对象、既有桥梁的利用与否、拟利用的既有桥梁的原设计荷载等级、投资控制、技术措施及运营期的管养等,得到了桥梁结构的汽车荷载等级的合理结论。     

Effect of secondary elements on bridge structural system reliability considering moment capacity

Secondary elements such as barriers, sidewalks, and diaphragms may increase the load carrying capacity of girder bridges. This in turn affects reliability. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential benefit of secondary elements on the system reliability of girder bridges, if these elements are designed with the structural system to participate resisting vehicular live loads. Simple span, two lane structures are considered, with composite steel girders supporting a reinforced concrete deck. For structural analysis, a finite element procedure is developed that combines a grillage model of the bridge deck with solid elements for edge-stiffening effects. Random variables considered are composite girder, barrier, and sidewalk flexural strengths (each in turn composed of many random variables), load magnitude (dead load and truck traffic live load), and live load position. System resistance parameters are estimated with a point integration method. System resistance is evaluated in terms of maximum load carried at ultimate capacity. It was found that the interaction of typical secondary element combinations has a varying effect on system reliability, depending on element stiffness, bridge span, and girder spacing.