SHM-integrated bridge reliability estimation using multivariate stochastic processes

Determination of response characteristics using probabilistic approaches is essential to deal with high level of load and resistance uncertainties in civil engineering structures. Multi-span bridges present a significant problem regarding the varying nature of seismic loads on different bridge piers. With an emphasis on comparison of multi-support excitation with the conventional uniform excitation, this paper aims at providing a framework to evaluate probabilistic seismic response and estimate reliability of bridges under multi-support excitations simulated by multivariate stochastic processes. Moreover, the framework integrates the experimental data of a multi-support seismic shaking table test of a multi-span bridge structure as well as structural health monitoring (SHM) findings based on vibration measurements. The results demonstrate the importance of the multivariate stochastic processes, therefore, multi-support excitation, on estimating seismic behavior of multi-span bridges. Furthermore, this study proves the significance of structural parameter updating with respect to the evaluation of structural reliability. It is observed that the difference between the SHM-integrated and the conventional reliability estimation results vary according to the change in bedrock conditions. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.