"IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT"

Bridges require review for structural integrity when they pass service life, carry loads for which they were not designed, or exhibit damage. A hierarchy of procedures for reassessment of capacity is outlined, starting with the cheapest approach of more rigorous analysis, progressing through the use of known loads, structure as built and material properties, and ending with site measurements and testing. Risk of failure can be reduced to an acceptable level through enhanced knowledge of the way the structure functions and of the level of uncertainty of significant parameters. An interpretation is given of damage tolerance and reliability through inspection. As a result, instead of condemning a bridge because it might be unsafe, it is condemned because it is known to be unsafe. Many might be unsafe, few are. (a) For the covering abstract of this conference, please see IRRD abstract no 861149.

• Record URL:
  • http://arrbknowledge.com
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0855884436
• Corporate Authors:

  AUSTROADS

  24-28 Campbell Street, P.O. Box K659, Roden Cutler House
  Haymarket, New South Wales  Australia  2000
• Authors:
  • Grundy, P
• Conference:
  • BRIDGES - ESSENTIAL TO OUR ECONOMY; PROCEEDINGS OF THE AUSTROADS BRIDGES CONFERENCE, FEBRUARY 16-18, 1994, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
• Publication Date: 1994

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 6.1-8
• Serial:
  • Volume: 1
  • Issue Number: AP 28/94

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Conferences; Design; Fatigue (Mechanics); Inspection; Loss and damage; Mathematical analysis; Safety; Structures; Ultimate load design
• ITRD Terms: 6471: Analysis (math); 3455: Bridge; 8525: Conference; 1614: Damage; 9011: Design (overall design); 3355: Engineering structure; 5579: Fatigue (mater); 6452: Limit; 1665: Safety; 9101: Surveillance
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00664870
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• ISBN: 0-85588-443-6
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Sep 9 1994 12:00AM