An innovative framework for probabilistic-based structural assessment with an application to existing reinforced concrete structures

Matos, Jos� C.; Cruz, Paulo J.S.; Valente, Isabel B.; Neves, Lu�s C.; Moreira, Vicente N.

Abstract

A novel framework for probabilistic-based structural assessment of existing structures, which combines model identification and reliability assessment procedures, considering in an objective way different sources of uncertainty, is presented in this paper. A short description of structural assessment applications, provided in literature, is initially given. Then, the developed model identification procedure, supported in a robust optimization algorithm, is presented. Special attention is given to both experimental and numerical errors, to be considered in this algorithm convergence criterion. An updated numerical model is obtained from this process. The reliability assessment procedure, which considers a probabilistic model for the structure in analysis, is then introduced, incorporating the results of the model identification procedure. The developed model is then updated, as new data is acquired, through a Bayesian inference algorithm, explicitly addressing statistical uncertainty. Finally, the developed framework is validated with a set of reinforced concrete beams, which were loaded up to failure in laboratory.

Citation

Matos, J. C., Cruz, P. J., Valente, I. B., Neves, L. C., & Moreira, V. N. (2016). An innovative framework for probabilistic-based structural assessment with an application to existing reinforced concrete structures. Engineering Structures, 111, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2015.12.040

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 29, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Jan 14, 2016
• Publication Date: Mar 15, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jul 27, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 27, 2016
• Journal: Engineering Structures
• Print ISSN: 0141-0296
• Electronic ISSN: 0141-0296
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 111
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2015.12.040
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/780385
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2015.12.040