ABSTRACT
Currently, a large number of old bridges are to be found on the highways and roads in the Czech Republic and all around the World. Considering the age and deterioration level of such bridges, many of them need to be reconstructed. However, in the majority of cases load bearing capacity of bridges is just reduced with respect to their current state. Nevertheless, structures continue to deteriorate and therefore a detailed load bearing capacity analysis and reliability evaluation should be a primary goal. Within the scope of the paper a deteriorated reinforced concrete bridge is analyzed as a case study. The advanced Monte Carlo type simulation method in combination with nonlinear finite element method (FEM) computational model are used for assessment of load bearing capacity and reliability of the bridge in time. The influence of degradation processes like carbonation, chloride ingress or corrosion of reinforcement is also taken into account based on phenomenological models and prediction of load bearing capacity for design life is performed.
