Optimal, Generic Planning of Maintenance and Inspection of Steel Bridges

Publication FS02_2

Authors

Michael H. Faber and John D. Sørensen

Abstract

Fatigue damage is an important deterioration mechanism for steel bridges. This paper describes a simplified and generic approach for reliability and risk based inspection planning of fatigue sensitive structural details. Fatigue sensitive details are categorized according to their loading characteristics, Fatigue Design Factor (FDF) and SN curve. Using a fracture mechanics model calibrated on a probabilistic basis to the appropriate SNcurve, it is described how cost-optimal inspection and repair planning can be performed. The procedure is illustrated by examples considering inspection planning of welded connections in steel bridges.

Published in/by

Proceedings IABMAS'02, 1st International Conference on 'Bridge Maintenance, Safety and Management', eds. J.R. Casas, D.M. Frangopol and A.S. Nowak, Barcelona, Spain, July 14-17, 2002, pp. 71-72.