Operational Structural Performances of Bridge Types

Abstract

This paper analyzes the raw database of the entire bridge inventory in the United States and derives distinctive bridge type-specific structural performances. The distributions, 15-year histories, and average ages of bridges and structurally deficient bridges of the various structural design and construction types are determined to study typical trends of structural deficiency. Based on the concept of structural deficiency and the objective of life-cycle expectancy, the multiple-criteria diagnostic approach of the analysis determines and compares the condition, durability, longevity, and equivalent performances. The comprehensive results provide a national network-level comparative basis for the operational performances of all coded bridge types. The approach characterizes the probability of bridge structural system deficiency, consequences attributable to deficiency, and time to renewal. Thus, the structural performance levels reflect structural reliability and vulnerability indexes for bridge serviceability. The concept presents an objective comparison source for the long-term overall utility and value of bridge type alternatives and helps to identify life-cycle issues and the need for improvements to increase desirability of bridge types.