Structural reliability updating through proof load testing
A Bayesian methodology applied to reinforced concrete road bridges and viaducts
R. de Vries (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
M.A.N. Hendriks – Promotor (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
R.D.J.M. Steenbergen – Promotor (Universiteit Gent, TNO)
E.O.L. Lantsoght – Copromotor (Universidad San Francisco de Quito, TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
More Info
expand_more
Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.
Abstract
This dissertation investigates how proof load testing can be used to assess the reliability of existing structures. A flexible Bayesian methodology is proposed and applied to reinforced concrete road bridges and viaducts. Key contributions include:
• A demonstration of how proof load testing affects annual reliability, showing reductions during testing, but substantial gains after surviving target loads.
• An in-depth look at the conservative lower-bound estimation of structural reliability, revealing its assumptions and limitations.
• Combining in-situ monitoring and laboratory data for Bayesian updating during testing, enabling substantial reductions in required test loads.
• Hierarchical Bayesian modelling addressing spatial correlation and system reliability, enabling optimal testing strategies with a low number of tests, and the configuration of load testing vehicles.
This research positions proof load testing at the core of a Bayesian reliability-updating methodology, thereby providing a uniquely accurate procedure for assessing existing infrastructure.