Reliability Assessment and Acceptance Criteria for Steel Gate Structures subjected to Corrosion Deterioration

Authors

J.F. Zhou, D.Q. Li and Michael H. Faber

Abstract

The present paper outlines and proposes to utilize the modem reliability theory for the purpose of assessing the reliability and reliability acceptance criteria for hydraulic steel gate structures subjected to corrosion degradation. Initially a consistent basis for the representation of the loads acting on the structures is provided. Thereafter corrosion data from eight existing steel gate structures located throughout China are presented. Based on the corrosion data a corrosion model is suggested and its parameters are estimated. Subsequently a resistance model for steel gate structures is described in terms of the initial ultimate limit state capacity of the structure and a degradation function. Finally reliability analyses are performed to investigate the sensitivity of the reliability of steel gate structures and reliability acceptance criteria are inferred corresponding to the present Chinese requirement for the design of steel gate structures. The conclusions and approaches proposed in this paper can be used as guidance for assessing the reliability and acceptability of steel gate structures and forms a basis for reliability updating and inspection and maintenance planning.

Published in/by

Proceedings LCC04, 4th International Workshop on Life-Cycle Cost Analysis and Design of Civil Infrastructures Systems, eds. A.S. Nowak and Dan M. Frangopol, Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA, May 8-11, 2005, pp. 299-306.