Global buckling reliability analysis of slender network arch bridges: An application of monte carlo-based estimation by optimized fitting

Abstract

Network arch bridges are extremely slender bridge structures with a very efficient load-carrying structure. This configuration can carry loads that are several times greater than traditional tied-arch bridges with vertical hangers. These bridges are seen as an attractive structure due to their slenderness, which potentially also make them vulnerable to global system buckling. Thus, the buckling reliability of network arch bridges is here further investigated with emphasis on geometric and load uncertainties. In principle, the reliability of structural systems can be accurately predicted by standard Monte Carlo simulation. This method has several attractive features for structural system reliability. One is that the system failure criterion is easy to control, almost irrespective of the complexity of the system. However, the computational cost involved may be prohibitive for highly reliable structural systems if standard Monte Carlo simulation is used. In this chapter a recently developed enhanced Monte Carlo method has been applied for calculating the reliability. This method drastically reduced the computational burden of the standard Monte Carlo approach and thereby made it practically feasible to estimate the reliability of the bridge against buckling.