Random field-based reliability analysis of prestressed concrete bridges

A method for reliability assessment of prestressed concrete bridges accounting for the spatial variability of structural parameters is presented in this paper. The spatial variability of these parameters is modeled by means of random fields and the reliability estimates were determined by a generalized first-order reliability algorithm. The main feature of the random field-based reliability method is to consider the spatial variability of structural parameters that is disregarded in the traditional reliability method for prestressed concrete bridges. The accuracy and efficiency of the random field-based reliability method is demonstrated through two numerical examples. A software strategy for interfacing the random field-based reliability method with ANSYS is developed via a freely available MATLAB software tool (FERUM). As a practical engineering example, the reliability of a prestressed concrete bridge is illustrated. The obtained results clearly show the applicability and merits of the random field-based reliability method and the associated software strategy.