FAULT TREE ANALYSIS OF BRIDGE FAILURE DUE TO SCOUR AND CHANNEL INSTABILITY

Fault tree analysis is a systematic method of analyzing events that lead to an undesirable event. Fault trees can be used to assess the probability of failure of a system (or top event), to compare design alternatives, to identify critical events that will significantly contribute to the occurrence of the top event, and to determine the sensitivity of the probability of failure of the top event to various contributions of basic events. In this paper, fault tree analysis is used to determine the probability of failure of a bridge caused by scour and other geomorphic channel instabilities. This analysis permits an examination of a very complex system of interactions and processes that are not well understood. Minimal knowledge regarding the actual processes of scour and channel instability is required for a fault tree analysis. Three examples of analyses for actual bridges are provided showing different combinations of scour (local and contraction) and geomorphic instabilities (channel widening and degradation) at both the abutments and piers. Riprap placed at the abutments for protection is also included in the analyses.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/10760342
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Johnson, P A
• Publication Date: 1999-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 35-41
• Serial:
  • Journal of Infrastructure Systems
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1076-0342
  • EISSN: 1943-555X
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/jitse4

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge abutments; Bridge piers; Bridges; Channels (Waterways); Failure analysis; Instability; Riprap; Scour
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fault trees
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Marine Transportation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00762766
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 13 1999 12:00AM