Sustainable Upgrading of Existing Bridges by Reliability-Based Assessment

Abstract

This paper presents recent applications of the Danish guideline for reliability-based assessment for existing bridges, resulting in a traffic load upgrade of up to 60%. The guideline reflects a commitment to consider reliability-based assessment for all bridge structures that have failed a deterministic assessment. This commitment is in-line with the general sustainability agenda imposed by the society by reducing costs, CO2 emissions, and societal disruptions caused by strengthening or replacing of existing infrastructure.