Reliability assessment of RC Bridges under seismic loads

Abstract

An approach to estimate the probability of failure, the reliability index ? and the mean annual failure rate by using closed mathematical expressions is presented. The approach is related to the probabilistic seismic demand hazard analysis proposed by Cornell et al., (2002). The uncertainties related to mechanical and geometric as well as seismic occurrences are considered. The reliability index ?, probability of failure and mean annual failure rate are calculated for two different scenarios such as: a) consideration of aleatory uncertainties and 2) both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties are considered. The approach is illustrated on two RC bridges structured by AASHTO type beams and circular columns located in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. Recommendations on the importance of considering uncertainties in the reliability analysis are provided.