An integrated computational platform for system reliability-based analysis of mixed-type highway bridge networks

Deterioration of aging infrastructure in United States is directing the attention of bridge managers and engineers toward more efficient inspection and evaluation techniques. Recent advances in reliability analysis methods justify new techniques that can be implemented in current practice. This paper discusses a network-level lifetime system reliability analysis method for bridges. A multi-phase research was carried out targeted toward an integrated system reliability-based, fully probabilistic analysis of highway bridge networks. The tasks included identification of random variables for different member types, quantification of random variable data (i.e., determination of statistical descriptors), derivation of standardized code-based limit state equations, investigation and implementation of load (increasing growth in traffic) and resistance (deterioration due to corrosion) models, and development and utilization of a network-level system reliability analysis program. Integration of these tasks was accomplished on a common computational platform. The proposed method for determining reliability profiles is illustrated using the results obtained for existing bridges within a selected highway bridge network