Challenges Related to Probabilistic Decision Analysis for Bridge Testing and Reclassification

Abstract

This paper reviews historical developments and recent challenges in full scale bridge testing and introduces results-and hypotheses related to an ongoing bridge testing research project. This research project encompasses full scale bridge testing in conjunction with bearing capacity analysis as well as related contact-and non-contact monitoring procedures combined with a decision analytical approach. Results from the first steps of the project, focusing on full scale load testing of bridges, are presented. The next part approaches the interfaces between three project areas namely the bearing capacity analysis, the utilization of monitoring procedures and a decision analytical approach. The proposed probabilistic decision analysis approach is described for two scenarios: (1) The decision support for the actual proof load test providing decision rules for a safe and efficient in-situ test and (2) for the identification of efficient strategies for the bridge reclassification accounting for modeling, simulation, and monitoring information. The paper concludes with a summary highlighting deemed challenges in the used approaches.

Digital Image Correlation for Evaluation of Cracks in Reinforced Concrete Bridge Slabs

“…If the monitoring system has a low reliability in accurate determination of the elastic limit, then the test planner may choose to increase safety factors on the target load, thus lowering the resulting classification outcome. Development of reliable and accurate monitoring methods is therefore of great importance, especially when comparing proof-loading strategies with, e.g., advanced theoretical modelling and simulation for achieving efficient capacity reclassification [47].…”

Identification of Stop Criteria for Large-Scale Laboratory Slab Tests Using Digital Image Correlation and Acoustic Emission

“…Even though research provides a sound basis for future stop criteria, providing a sufficient safety level during and after proof-loading through identification of robust stop criteria is an open research topic [30]. A challenge often encountered when dealing with existing bridges is that a low documentation level may result in insufficient theory-based calculations.…”

“…However, AE has the drawbacks of lower accuracy in estimating crack locations and difficulties in quantifying crack openings. Therefore, combining AE with displacement measurements is deemed to provide more accurate results, which can be used efficiently in a package of multiple independent monitoring sources [30]. Multiple monitoring sources are essential in the safety assessment of proofload testing, especially when applying a qualitative approach to stop criteria [30,31].…”

“…Therefore, combining AE with displacement measurements is deemed to provide more accurate results, which can be used efficiently in a package of multiple independent monitoring sources [30]. Multiple monitoring sources are essential in the safety assessment of proofload testing, especially when applying a qualitative approach to stop criteria [30,31]. If two monitoring systems show indications of the same phenomenon, the reliability of the results increases dramatically.…”

Verringerung der Versagenswahrscheinlichkeit von Brücken durch experimentelle Traglastversuche

“…Die Verbindung der Berechnung von Versagenswahrscheinlichkeiten und experimentellen Traglastversuchen ist Gegenstand zahlreicher Veröffentlichungen [17, 35, 36, 42–44].…”