Structural Reliability of Existing City Bridges: Analysis with Monte Carlo simulation including a load model based on weigh-in-motion measurements

This thesis investigates and presents the practical applicability of Monte Carlo analysis for the structural reliability assessment of existing city bridges. A probabilistic traffic load model for short span bridges is developed to serve as input for reliability calculations. A traffic loading model for short-span bridges is proposed, which is capable of simulating several 15-year periods of traffic. Site-specific weigh-in motion data is included in the model, making it representative of traffic loading conditions in the urban area. The output of the traffic loading model is a load-effect maxima distribution function that can be directly used in the probabilistic reliability analysis as a load variable. Applicability of probabilistic methods according to building regulations is studied. Structural reliability analysis of a steel- and concrete beam is carried out, using the load-effect maxima distribution function that results from the traffic load model. The reliability results are compared to that of an “optimal” beam designed according to the reliability requirements of Eurocode and the Dutch National Annex.Structural and Building EngineeringStructural EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience