A simplified method for evaluation of robustness of bridges

摘要

Many theoretical methods for assessing robustness introduced so far, due to their complexity,rnappear to be almost impossible to use in practical design. Therefore, the present study proposesrna simplified method for evaluation of the robustness of bridges.rnIn the proposed methods two strategies for providing robustness are utilised: increasing localrnresistance in order to prevent the key element from failing; increasing damage tolerance byrnproviding redundancy in order to recompense failure of the element. Accordingly, two separaternapproaches for evaluating bridge robustness are introduced. Both of them are based on a ratingrnsystem, where each evaluated component is assigned with a partial factor, which value can varyrnfrom 0 to 10. Next, in each approach, all points from partial factors are summed up. Thernrobustness of the bridge can be evaluated by comparing the final value with possible minimumrnand maximum values.rnThe proposed evaluation method has been implemented in a case study: 118,8 m long four spansrnprestressed concrete girder overpass. The method appears to be promising in estimating thernrobustness level in considered bridges. Furthermore, it can provide assistance in identification ofrnthe components of the bridge that contribute to its local resistance and redundancy level.