Life-cycle cost analysis of RC bridges subjected to multiple hazards

Abstract

The main structural elements of Reinforced Concrete (RC) bridges deteriorate with time under uncertain hazards such as scouring and corrosive conditions. In this paper, a multi-hazard framework is proposed to assess the performance of bridges subjected to the main e ective uncertain natural hazards during their lifetime. In this assessment, the uncertainties associated with the combined e ects of multiple hazards including pier scour, earthquake, carbonation, and corrosion are considered. Therefore, for each, hazard their severity relationships have been extracted over time, and the e ects of these hazards on concrete elements are presented as resistance dimming parameters. The annual and cumulative losses due to these hazards in unit of currency are estimated using the life-cycle cost analysis. For decision making, the value of the expected cumulative cost associated with the retro t or design scenarios is evaluated using a cost-bene t analysis. The results for a case study bridge, obtained from the framework proposed in the present study, indicated the signi cant impact of the di erent scenarios on reducing the expected value of damages or incurred losses due to multiple hazards.