engleski

Probabilistic Assessment of Existing Road Bridges using B-WIM data

This thesis is dealing with the assessment of existing road bridges, by proposing the new multi-level assessment method that uses Bridge Weigh-in-Motion (B-WIM) measurements as the key input in reliability analysis of these bridges. The main objective of the thesis is to prove that using B-WIM can reveal hidden bridge reserves in terms of load-carrying capacity, which are often neglected when traditional assessment methods are used. The thesis is divided into 9 chapters, where chapters two to six are focused on the definition of the new assessment method, while chapter seven is focused on the evaluation of economic aspects of the new method by quantifying the obtained B- WIM data using Value of Information (VoI) analysis and detailed cost-benefit analysis to prove the feasibility of the proposed method. New multi-level assessment method, where on each level more and more B-WIM data is used for bridge reliability analysis is validated with implementation on two real Case Study bridges which are chosen as their characteristics are in accordance with most common bridge type on Trans European Transport Network (TEN-T roads). Results on both Case Study bridges clearly proved benefits of B-WIM data application in the bridge assessment process, and VoI analysis also showed that proposed method is feasible from the perspective of both bridge owner and users, as its implementation resulted in the reduction of overall maintenance costs.

assessment, existing bridges, B-WIM, reliability analysis, VoI analysis

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