The use of reliability based assessment techniques for bridge management

Lark, Robert John ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1796-5321 and Flaig, K. D. 2001. The use of reliability based assessment techniques for bridge management. Presented at: ICE Bridge Design Conference, Hong Kong, 25-26 April 2001. Published in: Das, P. C., Frangopol, D. M. and Nowak, A. S. eds. Current and Future Trends in Bridge Design, Construction and Maintenance 2: Safety, Economy, Sustainability and Aesthetics. Emerald Publishing Limited, pp. 453-462. 10.1680/caftibdcam2.30916.0047

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Abstract

This paper reviews the use of reliability techniques for assessing the structural adequacy of bridges and highlights how the output of such an analysis can both inform and guide the user in their investigation of the structure under consideration. Three different ways of interpreting the value of reliability index that is obtained are identified and the feasibility of using each of these to prioritise repair and strengthening works is examined. An average acceptable value (AAV) of reliability index for different bridge types and failure modes is proposed and it is shown that in some cases priorities can be identified directly by comparing reliability indices, sometimes a measure of the significance of the reliability index is needed, while in other cases priorities are still not obvious and further investigation is required. To achieve this, the principles of risk management are explored and it is shown that where two or more structures have similar reliabilities such a procedure does offer a feasible approach. It is concluded that, while there may be some dispute as to the absolute value of reliability based assessment procedures, when combined with other information that is a measure of the importance, value and criticality of the structure or element under consideration, such procedures can help bridge managers prioritise repair and strengthening works. The advantage of the proposed procedures is that they are able to identify priorities in a more rational way and one that explicitly reflects the safety of the structure.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item - published (Paper)
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Engineering
Publisher:	Emerald Publishing Limited
ISBN:	9780727730916
Last Modified:	30 Mar 2026 13:58
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/21038

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