Reliability analysis-based investigation of the historical Széchenyi Chain Bridge deck system

Abstract

Before the recent reconstruction, significant corrosion damages were observed on the deck system of the ∼170-year-old Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Therefore, an advanced reliability analysis-based study is executed to assess the risk of failure of the structure in its situation until the refurbishment starts. The current paper has the aim to introduce the applied assessment method for the risk analysis and damage grade determination of the historical structure. The novel method combines the following techniques: (i) input data coming from on-site measurements implemented into state-of-the-art corrosion models, (ii) advanced finite element model-based resistance calculation (GMNI analysis) implemented into (iii) Monte Carlo simulation-based stochastic reliability assessment method to determine the risk of the bridge deck system failure. It is concluded that the introduced method is a powerful tool for risk assessment of existing aging structures.

Keywords

• Corrosion
• Reliability analysis
• Monte Carlo simulation
• Damage assessment