ABSTRACT
The paper is focused on application of a novel safety format technique for existing concrete bridges represented by non-linear finite element models (NLFEM). The combination of NLFEM and reliability analysis is a strong tool for realistic modelling of structures. On the other hand, it is still highly time consuming to perform fully probabilistic NLFEM analysis of large structures with many stochastic input variables. Therefore, structural designers are interested in semi probabilistic methods to determine design values of resistance, allow to reduce a number of needed nonlinear calculations. The key ingredient in semi-probabilistic design and assessment of structures is an estimation of coefficient of variation (ECoV) of quantity of interest, e.g. ultimate resistance of structures. Recently a novel technique Eigen-ECoV has been proposed and applied on prestressed and reinforced concrete bridges, as presented in this contribution.
