ABSTRACT
This paper recommends a procedure for risk-based lifetime cost optimization of maintenance for PT bridges. To demonstrate the procedure, an actual segmental post-tensioned bridge is used for which the inspection results are available. Hands-on and nondestructive tests were performed on several external PT tendons to verify the accuracy. The results showed that non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and hands-on inspection results are correlated, as such, the level of accuracy for the selected methods to be used for the inspection was determined to be acceptable for the inspection to continue in large scale. External tendons of the bridge were then inspected using the selected NDE method. The inspection results were used to calculate the reduction in the cross section of post tensioning elements. Investigation is underway to optimize the lifetime risk of the bridge, simplified reliability analysis associated with updated finite element model subjected to deterioration of the external post tensioning elements.
