The sensitivity of bridge safety to spatial correlation of load and resistance

摘要: Abstract Random Field theory has emerged in recent years to model the statistical correlation of resistance concrete structures and determine its influence on probability structural failure. A major shortcoming work carried out date is spatial variability corresponding associated with applied traffic loads. In this paper both load considered context bridge safety assessment. The current study, explores, nature problem by three theoretical examples. As a general trend, examples show that while loads are weakly correlated, effects strongly correlated as same heavy vehicle often causes extremes effect different parts which due transverse sharing (measured here using factor). It found strength depends greatly factor treated simple way many studies. more sophisticated beam-and-slab example, factors derived from finite element analysis assess sharing, shown vary girder number, segment location. Despite fact at points along length combined failure small.