PROPOSED LIMIT STATE STRENGTH EVALUATION OF EXISTING REINFORCED-CONCRETE BRIDGES

Because of several catastrophic bridge failures, bridge safety has been emphasized during the past decade. As a result there has been a concerted effort to develop and disseminate procedures for systematic bridge inspection and rating. Although bridges with concrete superstructures rarely fail catastrophically, gradual deterioration and increased loads can affect their structural capacity. Existing procedures for inspecting and rating bridges with concrete superstructures are limited. A summary of a methodology proposed for rating reinforced-concrete bridges is presented. The methodology was developed in the first phase of an NCHRP project to improve strength evaluations of existing reinforced-concrete bridges. The methodology is presented in a limit-states format by using approximate load and resistance factors. By using this format a basis is provided on which probability theory and engineering judgment can be rationally combined to allow for independent consideration of each of the major variables that can affect the determination of the load capacity of a bridge. This methodology includes consideration of the level of effort in maintenance and inspection, the degree of load-limit enforcement, the quality of construction, the refinement used in simulating the bridge, the effects of deterioration on the load-carrying capacity, and the degree of refinement in determining the load-distribution factors. (Author)

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1984/950/950v2-011.pdf
• Record URL:
  • https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=PROPOSED+LIMIT+STATE+STRENGTH+EVALUATION+OF+EXISTING+REINFORCED-CONCRETE+BRIDGES&author=R.+Imbsen&author=R.+Schamber&publication_year=1984
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/3090036593
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appeared in Transportation Research Record Number 950, Volume 2, Second Bridge Engineering Conference, conducted by the Transportation Research Board and the Federal Highway Administration, September 24-26, 1984. Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Concrete Bridges. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Imbsen, Roy A
  • Schamber, Robert A
• Conference:
  • Bridge Engineering Conference, 2nd, 1984, Washington, DC, USA
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 92-100
• Monograph Title: Second bridge engineering conference. volumes 1 and 2
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 950
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bearing capacity; Load transfer; Methodology; Ratings; Reinforced concrete bridges; Strength of materials; Ultimate load design
• Old TRIS Terms: Resistance
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00390818
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 03090036593
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Dec 30 1984 12:00AM