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The evaluation of temperature data recorded on the world's longest bridge built over ice-covered water is presented. The data in question are the hourly recorded temperatures in three girder sections with variable geometry and ambient temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed measured on site from 1998 to 2000. The data were first carefully screened, and problematic records were identified and repaired. The temperatures were then spatially reduced to a set of thermal variables including average, differential, and residual temperatures. Extreme value analysis was performed to obtain 100 year return thermal loads. The results are compared with the provisions in the Canadian highway bridge design code (CAN/CSA-S6-00) and the original design temperatures for the bridge. Temperature distributions for maximum positive vertical differential temperatures during the recording period are plotted for the three girder sections. The observed unrestrained curvatures and nonlinear stresses are compared with those estimated by the Priestley model. Modifications are found to be necessary for extremely deep cross sections.Key words: concrete bridge, thermal response, statistical evaluation, average temperature, differential temperature, curvature, stress.

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The present article starts out by proposing a framework for risk assessment of RC structures utilizing condition indicators. Thereafter, the various building stones of the suggested framework are described. This description includes a summary of the basis for the probabilistic modeling of the initiation phases of chlorideinduced corrosion of concrete structures. Furthermore, a probabilistic modeling of condition indicators regarding the condition state of concrete structures is proposed whereby information available at the design stage of concrete structures as well as information obtained through in-service inspections may be utilized for the purpose of reliability updating. Finally, it is described how the probability of localized and spatially distributed degradation of different degrees can be assessed and examples are given on how the various indicators may be used for the purpose of updating the statistical characteristics of the future degradation of RC structures. The presented framework forms a consistent basis for risk assessment of concrete structures subject to chloride-induced corrosion. It can easily be adopted to other degradation phenomena such as carbonation-induced corrosion and it forms a good basis for the development of efficient approaches to Asset Integrity Management of RC structures.

Robustness means many things to many people, even amongst civil engineers. In order to describe its essential aspects more clearly within the context of structural systems and critical infrastructure, the concept of robustness in different but related disciplines has been first examined. Both deterministic and probabilistic or risk-based measures of robustness can be developed and used. In the context of systems subject to exceptional hazards, the uncertainty associated with both systems, hazards and consequences plays a prominent role and therefore measures of robustness must express probabilistically how and to what extent certain system performance objectives are affected by external or systemic perturbations. An example is given for a simple structural system. Structural Engineering International