Guideline on NDT‐supported reliability assessment of existing structures ‐ Current developments in Germany

Abstract

Information about an existing structure can be collected at certain costs to evaluate the reliability and condition as realistically as necessary. This information can be relevant or irrelevant, true or biased, precise or imprecise. The incorporation of relevant and quality‐assessed measured information into reliability reassessment offers the chance to extend remaining lifetimes and support decision making about optimal actions or maintenance strategies. This paper shows recent developments in a national research project that aims to produce a guideline on the NDT‐based, structure‐specific modification of partial safety factors. The general methodology, results from recalculations according to the Eurocodes and metrologically solvable testing tasks relevant in the recalculation of the concrete bridges are shown and compared with the non‐destructive testing methods applicable to concrete bridges. A case study is used to demonstrate that as‐built drawings, in this case of the positions of tendons and shear reinforcement, can be verified using the radar method.