Methodology of steel bridges structural evaluation by structural reliability techniques

Abstract

In Colombia, when a structural review of steel bridges is performed, the design loads, materials specifications and safety factor are verified as established in the Colombian Code of Bridges Seismic Design (CCDSP). This evaluation is not at all reliable, since it does not bear in mind topics related to structural changes, that could occur due to materials quality alterations, some element deformation by temperature changes or by the difference in loads that bridges have to support. If we bear in mind that there exists factors of unknown nature that can alter the operation structure, it is necessary to apply an evaluation method that combines stochastic and statistical functions with the structural analysis as the one based on structural reliability, which shows a bridge's real working conditions. This paper develops the methodology for steel bridges evaluation using structural reliability techniques based on American an European studies, mentioning the main differences found during the structural evaluation of Puerto Salgar bridge. The method stated presents the possibility of projecting the safety of bridge, which involves a preventive method with big advantage over CCDSP.