Methodology for Assessing the Technical Condition and Durability of Bridge Structures

Abstract

The proposed methodology aims to determine and forecast the technical condition of bridge elements, which could serve as an advanced engineering tool for assessing reliability and durability. It is developed based on fundamental studies that synthesize the experience of studying the physical–mechanical and physical–chemical properties of materials in bridge structures operating under real conditions. The theoretical foundation of the methodology is a reliability model and residual lifetime prediction of bridge elements based on Markov’s theory. The developed methodology is designed for assessing the technical condition of individual bridge elements, followed by a comprehensive evaluation of the entire structure. Reliability during operation is adopted as the indicator of technical condition. This quantitative reliability indicator in the model serves as a criterion for evaluating the safety level of bridge elements; ranking of bridge elements as necessary for specific types of repair, reconstruction, or replacement; strategic planning of expenditures for repair or reconstruction under limited funding; and forecasting the remaining resource of elements. An evaluation and prediction algorithm for the technical condition of bridges is proposed for the application of the developed methodology. A mathematical experiment of the developed methodology was conducted, which confirmed the adequacy of the proposed hypothesis, i.e., the use of the reliability model and the prediction of residual lifetime of bridge elements. First, a three-step mechanism for refining the technical condition of the bridge is proposed, significantly enhancing the accuracy of the calculations. Therefore, the developed methodology holds practical value and can serve as a basis for information-analytical systems for managing the condition of bridges.